Jane Jacobs was a noted urbanist, writer and activist whose book The Death and Life of Great American Cities has become the go-to tome for community planning and urban development.
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Like the Camino de Santiago, there are prescribed stops on the pilgrimage to Jane Jacobs, including her two former residences in Toronto and New York City.
Since I explored her ‘hood in New York’s Greenwich Village last year, I needed to visit her former home in Toronto’s Annex to complete my journey and close the circle. With family waiting in the van, this would be the world’s fastest micro-exploration, leaving plenty for later (solo) visits to the neighbourhood.
I negotiated a few more minutes and headed to Bloor Street. It was exactly as I expected it would be: lively, multicultural, pedestrian-friendly, full of cyclists, an eclectic foodie and entertainment haven and a street art feast for the eyes. It is a microcosm of the spirit of Toronto life and no poor cousin to Greenwich Village.
The 2016 Jane’s Walk will be held the weekend of May 6th to 8th in cities and towns around the world. For more information click here.
Other Habicurious pieces on Jane Jacobs