Guest blog: Jane-Walking in Ottawa, May 5-6, 2012

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_ Today’s guest blog comes from

Francesco Manganiello, one of the members of the
[
 Jane's Walk Ottawa
](http://www.janeswalkottawa.ca/view/?home)
organizing committee.

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Have you ever wondered who is taking care of all those cats around Parliament Hill or what typical farm-life is like in Ottawa’s “working farm”? Have you ever been enticed by the sights, sounds, and smells of Little Italy and not know where to start? If so, come Jane-Walking with us in Ottawa on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6.

Jane’s Walk is a festival of walking tours celebrating the ideas of the late Jane Jacobs by getting people to walk around and explore their neighbourhoods. An urban activist and writer of the greatly influential book _ The Death and Life of Great American Cities _ , Jacob’s ideas of liveable, usable and people-centered cities were largely influenced and informed by her personal experiences and observations. Celebrated in over 75 cities in 15 countries worldwide, free walking tours are led by local residents who want to share and discuss the spaces and places where they work, play and live.

Celebrating its fifth year with over 50 Jane-walks planned for 2012, Jane’s Walk in Ottawa is a pedestrian-focused event that offers insight on some of the well and not-so-well known neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Led by passionate and knowledgeable local residents, you will get to know more about your city by the simple acts of walking, observing, listening and talking.

So, if you want to discover over 150 years worth of Ottawa’s railway history, find out where to satisfy your hunger and thirst in Hintonburg, learn more about a traditional pattern painted in an Ottawa church floor called “the Labyrinth" that is used for walking meditation, learn how to identify safe and non-toxic plants along the Rideau River, search for the lost village of Ellwood, hear forgotten stories of the War of 1812 and the Rideau Canal, or uncover the natural evolution of some of the oldest buildings in the Byward Market, come walk with us on May 5 and 6!

Walking tours are free of charge. More information on Jane’s Walk in Ottawa walking tours can be found at www.janeswalkottawa.ca . If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact us by email jane@janeswalkottawa.ca or by phone at 613-563-4922 .

** See also: ** Ottawa Community Guide

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