Jane’s Walk SSM > May 1–3 2026

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Happening locally and internationally each year the first weekend in May.

Jane’s Walk Sault Ste. Marie: Celebrate Community, Stories & Connection
Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore your city.

The 2026 edition of Jane’s Walk Sault Ste. Marie is set to take place from
May 1 to May 3, inviting residents to join a series of free, citizen-led walking tours to spark conversation, celebrate community voices, and deepen our connection to the places we call home.
Inspired by the legacy of urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks are a movement of
free, citizen-led walking to get people to share stories about their communities, explore their
cities, and connect with neighbours.
“Jane’s Walk is about more than just walking—it’s about listening, learning, and seeing our city
through each other’s eyes,” said Rachel Silva, one of the local coordinators. “Whether you’re
new to the Soo or have lived here your whole life, these walks offer a chance to connect, reflect,
and imagine a more inclusive and vibrant future for our community.”

2026 Walk Schedule

Conditions: Rain or shine.  It is recommended to wear suitable footwear.

� Friday: May 1, 2026

� Time: 12 – 2 p.m..
� Description: With Isabel Michaud featuring a bilingual presentation highlighting the first French residents in Sault Ste. Marie.
� Starting point: Cathcart and Beverley corner.

� Time: 3:30 p.m.
� Description: With Brian Tremblay discussing the War of 1812 as it relates to Sault Ste. Marie
� Starting point: Ermatinger Old Stone House parking lot

� Time: 6:30 p.m.
� Description: With Rachel Silva and Kaitlin Kazmierowski hosting walk and talk on good neighbour training
� Starting point: Cafe 4 Good

� Saturday: May 2, 2026

� Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30
� Description: With Michael Burtch speaking on Sault-born Gordon Weber, pioneer in multi-media art
� Starting point: SSM Museum

� Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
� Description: A display of Jane Jacobs’ titles and works
� Starting point: The Algoma University Wishart Library

� Time: 12 p.m.
� Description: With Tim Sundstrom giving a history of the Searchmont area
� Starting point: Searchmont at the old bridge

� Time: 2 p.m.
� Description: Heritage trees with Jeff Hinich and Frank Belleau
� Starting point: Bishophurst, 134 Simpson St.

� Time: 2 p.m.
� Description: With Bryan Davies of Tagona Press leading a chat on the book, Dear Rita
� Starting point: SSM Museum

� Sunday: May 3, 2026

� Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
� Description: With Adrian Vilaca on the Steelton neighbourhood and the story of the Brown St. Derby
� Starting point: Front of Stockhouse at John & Wellington corner

Walks typically run 60–90 minutes. No registration required—just show up and join in!

Anybody can lead a Jane’s Walk!
The festival encourages people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use the art of walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

Jane’s Walk is inspired by Jane Jacobs.

Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was a writer, urbanist and activist who championed a community-based approach to city-building. She had no formal training as a planner, and yet her 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, introduced ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve, and fail that have become conceptual pillars for today’s architects, planners, policymakers, activists, and other city builders.

Jacobs lived in Greenwich Village until 1968 when she moved to Toronto. In both cities, she helped derail the car-centred approach to urban planning and invigorated neighbourhood and community activism.

LOVE Local!

Visit: facebook.com/JanesWalkSSM

Visit: janeswalk.org