Jane’s Walks are community-led walking conversations inspired by urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs. Through these tours, UrbanCSA has collaborated with the Federation of Calgary Communities and various community organizations across the city to bridge the gap between students, citizens, and professionals. Together, these walks create opportunities to share neighbourhood stories, uncover overlooked aspects of communities, and spark new ideas about city building, highlighting the many ways our built environment shapes daily life over time.
2024
China Town
Led by friends of Chinatown's Alice Lam, a community building leader and host of Chinatown history tours. This walk offered students an insider perspective on the neighbourhood’s historical significance. It highlighted how community members used their voices to preserve Chinese culture in downtown Calgary, creating a lasting pocket of cultural identity. Thanks to their perseverance, Chinatown continues to provide a strong sense of belonging, community, and heritage for its members.
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Hosted on November 6th.
Culture and Entertainment District
An informative walk through the Culture and Entertainment District led by the CMLC East Team. Students were able to dive into the dynamic arts scene, explore a thriving mixed-use community! Also, they were able to get the inside scoop on exciting new developments that are shaping a more connected, resilient and heritage rich neighborhood.
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Hosted on Feburary 22nd.
Urban Lab Walks
In Partnership with Tyson Bankert (Entrepreneur, Youth Worker, artist/business owner of Recess Calgary, and Community Development Coordinator), this special collaboration expanded on the Jane’s Walks model by blending walking tours with city-building and policy planning conversations. This three-part series explored how zoning, urban design, art, and culture shape the future of our communities at 3 different stages of development.
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From Bankview, one of Calgary’s oldest inner-city neighbourhood, to Mahogany, a new community still in development, participants gained unique perspectives on how planning decisions influence culture, identity, and everyday life. Along the way, students, professionals, and community members connected through walking conversations that sparked fresh ideas about building more vibrant and inclusive spaces.
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Hosted on June 10th and 24th.
2025
Bankview Inner SW
Our First Urban Lab Walk led by Tyson Bankert from Recess Calgary. Students were able to experience a walking conversation through the rich historical landscape and ongoing evolution of the community. ​
Two members from the City of Calgary's Zoning Bylaw team joined the walk for the students to catch the glimpse of the future policy directions and to placemaking plans ahead for Bankview Inner SW.
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Hosted on June 10th
Mahogany
Our Second Urban Lab Walk also led by Tyson Bankert from Recess Calgary and The City of Calgary. Students were able to dive into the realities of building a neighbourhood from the ground up, including zoning, design, and the policies that shape culture, identity and everyday life. It was a great opportunity for the students to chat with professionals, alumni and fellow students about future development plans!
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Hosted on June 24th
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