Feedback from Jane’s Walkers

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Feedback from Jane’s Walkers

The people who came along for the walks in every city report being thrilled, moved, amazed and surprised by the neighbourhoods that make up their cities and towns. Here’s what a few folks had to say in 2010:

“I did two walks —401 Richmond W and the 2 Kings walk. I discovered so much about Toronto—- I was completely unaware of planning difficulties and the efforts that have been made by individuals to make Toronto a great place to live. I was born here but have lived away since 1987 and have just come back to discover the city.” - JP, Toronto

“It was a great way to spend the day, meeting new people, fellow history-nerds! Fantastic…. and learning where the bodies are buried, literally.” - Toronto

“Profound…it is the only word that captures the intensity and impact of this walk led by Geoffery Rheaume of the brick wall at the old Queen Street psychiatric institution. Hearing the voices of the former inmates calling out… rubbing my fingers along the phrase ” was murdered” etched in a brick…these men and women live on. Thank you for this marvellous event.” – PM, Toronto

“Our experience that day was very interesting, firstly because we walk with Mayor David Miller in the Don Mills/Sheppard area and he explained some projects that the city is doing there, but the bottom line is that we learned that everyone is doing something everywhere. We met the mayor and a very nice and kind group of Irainian ladies.” - FP, Toronto

“I went on the walk lead by the Youth Council from St. James Town. The students were charming and wonderful ambassadors for the area. They made some good points about walkability and the importance of having open spaces that everyone could share. They gave me a whole new perspective on the area.” – VV, Toronto

“My walk was fabulous! I did the Cedarvale Ravine and was very impressed with the guide. He did a terrific overview of the historical, political and socio-economic forces at work in and around the park. It was the first time I have done the walk and felt that this area, the site of Jane Jacobs’ first neighbourhood fight for Toronto was a great place to start.” - CS, Toronto

“I went to Miriam Greenbaum’s The Chicken or the Egg walk, where there must’ve been easily 100 people. There was something really special and wonderful about that many people (age range 20-80, I’d say) coming out (on a perfect morning for a walk, of course!), recognizing that this was happening all over the city. The range of knowledge was also really broad, from people who’d grown up as part of Kensington Market’s Jewish neighbourhood to others asking about such basics as “what is Yiddish?” – KH, Toronto

“I took the “Secrets of North Rosedale” walk and even though I have walked that stretch of roadway for years on my ‘short cut’ from Park Road over to the retail strip on Laird, I did not know even a tenth of the information that was made available to myself and my fellow walkers that Saturday afternoon. One of the best moments on the walk was when Ed, the guide, was describing a new house being completed (Integral House) and while he was talking there was a man standing on the sidewalk listening. As Ed relayed details of the architectural ‘heritage’ of the house and the building site, the man was able to add things to the talk. Turned out it was the home’s owner, Dr. James Stewart. His impromptu ‘appearance’ added details known only to him and we gave him a rousing hand of applause. It was one of those moments in ‘live theatre’ you could never have planned.” – MG, Toronto
“I also attended the Leaside walk. I chose this walk because I lived near Leaside in the forties and fifties. I arrived and hour before the walk so that I could take a sentimental journey around my old home, school and shopping district. This might be a suggestion for other Torontonians. Jane Pitfield was knowledgable and pleasant leader. The number of participants was handled easier on wider streets and Jane spoke up well. The extra speakers- a former politician and the current councilman added welcome variety. We had a little rain but I have found from other walks that it take a lot of rain to discourage walkers.” – DS, Toronto

“The whole concept of Jane’s Walk is brilliant. It worked – over 5000 people. I plugged it with a bunch of women at a breast cancer lunch today – and everyone is sold on the idea and like me, committed to doing this walk again and again. Despite some major gaffs, we have a great city and more people are learning about how great it is and how great it can be. And I credit Jane’s Walk for that.” – EA, Toronto

“I thoroughly enjoyed both walks - North Rosedale on Saturday and the Avoca Ravine on Sunday. I walk both these neighbourhoods regularly but enjoyed learning more about these areas from experts. Next year, I’ll venture further afield to explore new places. Thanks for a great weekend.” – BW, Toronto

“I loved former Mayor Crombie’s personal touch as well as input from our historical society, local residents and ancestors and certainly have a new understanding of our neighborhood. Perhaps the Jane’s Walks will help us to better understand that neighbourhoods are for the people and not the car arteries we have so strongly, mistakenly argued for.” – AR, Toronto

“I did the Saturday afternoon walk through Thorncliffe Park. The walk organizers were great. Before we left we were treated to a huge basket of really good samosas, which were a big hit with everyone. The other walkers were from all over town. Like me, they’d read lots about Thorncliffe Park but had never been there. There was a small group of tour leaders—most of who were people who had grown up in that neighbourhood and really liked it there. I learned lots and had loads o fun.” – MN, Toronto
“We first went on the “Chicken and Egg walk “and it was superb. Although I have lived on Henry St. for 30 years and frequent both Chinatown and Kensington I learned a lot about the local history and discovered small lanes and enclaves that I didn’t know existed.” - BW, Toronto

“My daughter and I went on five of your walks and really enjoyed a weekend exploring the city … We bumped into the Mayor on Queen west. I guess he was out walking too.” – D & K M, Toronto
“This was our first “Jane’s Walk” tour. We went on the Humber Ravine walk led by Madeline McDowell which started from Jane & Bloor. We’ve lived for 40 years in this neighbourhood, but had never before had the opportunity to walk with someone who has such an immense knowledge of both the history and the ecology of each of the locations where we stopped—with the history often ranging back several centuries. We will certainly want to do it again—even the same walk over again.” – MH, Toronto

“The walk put on by Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC), was very well done. I recently moved to Parkdale and it was a great way to be introduced to my new neighbourhood.” – MD, Toronto
“… I so appreciated learning some more of Toronto’s past on Front Street. Made me feel more ‘at home’. After all, I’ve only lived here for 30 years!!!” – DSF, Toronto

“My wife and I took the Jane’s Walk through Lawrence Heights (aka: the Jungle Jaunt). With fifty or so other people we toured the neighbourhood and enjoyed ourselves despite the spotty weather. Six highschool students led us through part of the district. They gave us a feel for the place and a sense of their feelings about it. They identify strongly with the area—and discussed the double menace of drugs and weapons—though they demonstrated little sense of what lies beyond it. This fact was interesting in itself.” – JRC, Toronto

“There were three or four contributors who spoke about the West Don Lands project. Very good idea. While it’s just an empty site, they provided the vision that was otherwise lacking in actual buildings and construction. The tour ended at the Paddle the Don party which was the perfect place! Really fun.” – TT, Toronto

“On Sunday afternoon we went along Queen St. W., seeing alleys and other places that were totally new to us. Two other people gave input and they were excellent as was the guide, particularly the former archivist who spoke at Victoria Memorial Square. I am a history buff so I particularly enjoyed the Sunday walks with an historical bent. I think it is great that the walks have different focuses: history, urban planning, social development etc.” – LR, Toronto