Press Release

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For Immediate Release
 

April 16, 2026 - Toronto, Ontario
 

Our Streets, Our Stories: Jane’s Walk 2026 Returns to Celebrate Communities across Toronto

Neighbourhoods across Toronto will come alive this May as the Jane’s Walk Toronto Festival returns for its 19th year. Taking place from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 2026, this year’s festival connects thousands of residents across the city to explore, connect and celebrate the places we live, work, and play through free, community-led walking conversations.

By centering local knowledge, Jane’s Walk Toronto continues to honour the legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs, proving that the most profound insights about a city come from those connecting on its sidewalks. Jane’s Walk has grown into a global movement spanning over 500 cities around the world, but its roots are firmly in Toronto. This year’s theme, “Our Streets, Our Stories”, highlights the power of reclaiming public space through everyday voices. It’s an invitation for people to share, question, and see their cities through the eyes of the people who shape them.

“We’re so thrilled to return for another year of Jane’s Walk and to provide this platform where community voices take the lead,” says Sarah Luca, Jane’s Walk Co-Chair. “Jane’s Walk is more than just walking from point A to point B, it’s about seeing our streets through each other’s perspectives and celebrating the stories that are unheard.”
 

“At a time when many people feel isolated, Jane’s Walk is a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together in our neighbourhoods,” said Cassandra Alves, Co-chair of Jane’s Walk. “By creating space for people to connect, share stories, and discuss where we live, we foster a sense of belonging that cities urgently need. These conversations are vital to a healthy democracy, helping us listen to one another and imagine more inclusive, connected communities.”
 

How to get involved:
 

• Join a Walk: All walks are free and open to the public. The full 2026 schedule is available at janeswalkfestivalto.com/
   

• Lead a Walk: Anyone can lead a walk because everyone is an expert in their experience. Whether you walk, bike, roll, or run, or you want to curate a digital walk, we want you to share your story! Submissions are open until April 27: janeswalkfestivalto.com/submit-a-walk
   

• New for 2026! Jane’s Walk Club: We’re launching a new volunteer initiative for those that want a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes into planning the Jane’s Walk festival. From hyping up crowds, to capturing social media content, volunteers will support festival organizers to make the city come alive through storytelling. Learn more and sign up here: janeswalkfestivalto.com/volunteer-with-jane
   

“This year’s festival theme, Our Streets, Our Stories, centres the everyday voices, lived experiences, and local narratives that shape our city,” explains Mehedi Khan and Igor Samardzic, this year’s festival co-ordinators. “Last year, with more than 150 walks across the city, we saw communities come together to share stories and reflect on the places they move through every day.”
 

This year’s festival highlights include:

🔸University of Toronto’s School of Cities will be leading two walks: Navigating the Underground City: Exploring Toronto’s PATH Through Walking and Research - Sunday, May 3, 1pm-2pm which examines the PATH network as both infrastructure and urban experience—exploring its history, growth, navigation challenges, and the balance between public access and privately controlled space; and For the Love of Raccoons’ Ride - Sunday, May 3, 10am - 11:30am, a north-to-south bike tour celebrating Toronto’s unofficial mascot, where participants can use Bike Share or bring their own bicycles and are encouraged to wear proper safety gear.

🔸 O2 Planning and Design is a Jane's Walk partner again this year. O2 will be leading a walk near the waterfront this summer to carry the energy of Jane's Walk beyond the festival weekend. Stay tuned for details following the festival.
 

🔸 Continuing its longstanding partnership with Jane’s Walk, City Planning, in collaboration with other City of Toronto divisions, will lead ten engaging walks across Toronto’s four districts for the 2026 season. From vibrant urban growth areas like King-Spadina West, Liberty Village, Yorkville, Yonge-Eglinton and North York Centre to major employment lands undergoing transformation, including the Golden Mile, the Stockyards, and the Port Lands, participants will explore how planning shapes Toronto’s neighbourhoods. Additional walks will highlight natural heritage at Taylor Creek and showcase sustainable development in Regent Park and the West Don Lands.

🔸 Wetland Walk: Turtles & Indigenous Teachings- Saturday May 2, 10am-11:30am
Join Turtle Protectors for a guided walk through Biidaasige Park’s wetlands, focusing on local turtle species and their habitats. The walk weaves ecological knowledge with Indigenous teachings and stewardship practices. Walk supported by Park People.
 

🔸 The Making of Biidaasige Park - Sunday May 3, 10am -11:30am
This tour explores the history, planning, and design of Biidaasige Park, highlighting how the site has evolved over time. Learn about the park’s role in the broader ravine system and surrounding communities.

🔸 Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park Through a United Way Lens: Community, Access and Opportunity - Saturday May 2, 10am - 11:45am
In Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, United Way Greater Toronto brings residents and partners together at the community hub to explore a neighbourhood in transition, where community spaces, local leadership, and essential services continue to support residents through change and moments of crisis.

🔸 Catch up on our Walkshops with tips, tricks and resources to help first-time walkers and experts to find their stride. This year, we partnered with Toronto Society of Architects, Urban Minds, and Scarborough Arts and the Brampton Board of Trade to bring Jane’s Walk to communities across Toronto. Recorded Walkshops and Walk Leader resources are available on our website: janeswalkfestivalto.com/how-to-lead-a-walk
 

🔸 Explore a diversity of volunteer-led walks featuring passionate local storytellers, community partners, non-profit organizations, grassroots and resident groups, the City of Toronto, and residents who generously share their stories to celebrate our neighbourhoods. Visit our website for our updated list of walks: janeswalkfestivalto.com/walks
 

 🔗 For more information, to submit a walk, or to explore the full festival lineup, visit www.janeswalkfestivalto.com
 

Join us in walking the city you love.

 

Media Contacts

Sarah Luca and Cassandra Alves

Jane’s Walk Co-Chairs  Chair@janeswalk.net

City Organizers: support@janeswalk.net
 

 📸 [Link to images]
📓 Link to organizer/ chairs bios and info
🌐 www.janeswalkfestivalto.com  or 🌍 Janeswalk.org to learn more about the movement!