Coming up in May, a number of cities and towns across North America will be hosting “Jane’s Walks” in honour of the late Jane Jacobs.
If we can get our act together, there could be one in downtown St. George on the May 2 & 3 weekend….
Jane Jacobs’ ideas continue to influence the way cities and towns are planned out – which is relevant as Brant County considers where it might grow and how. Her ideas could also help encourage us to find ways to continue to support and develop the things that make St. George special and a great place to live.
If you wanted to get some background on Jane Jacobs, it looks like an excellent opportunity will be a new television special airing on TVO in February:
Urban Goddess: Jane Jacobs Reconsidered
Here is the blurb on the program from the TVO schedule:
When Jane Jacobs died in 2006, Canada lost one of its loudest and most persistent urban voices. What Jacobs advocated is well known: short blocks, mixed-use buildings and diverse neighbourhoods. The livable city is an issue that directly impacts the quality of life of the majority of the world’s population.
Looking at redevelopment disputes in New York and in Toronto that reflect many of the issues Jacobs encountered 50 years ago and at Vancouver, a city frequently put forward as a shining example of Jacobs’ livable city philosophy, this documentary asks, “Is Jane Jacobs’ legacy intact?” and, more to the point, “Is it still valid?”
The show airs:
Wednesday February 18 at 10 pm.,
Sunday, February 22 at 10:35 pm &
Wednesday February 25 at 1:00 am.
Wednesday February 18 at 10 pm.,
Sunday, February 22 at 10:35 pm &
Wednesday February 25 at 1:00 am.
If you are curious about what a “Jane’s Walk” is, here is a link to the website hosted by the Centre for City Ecology:
http://www.janeswalk.net/