Weyburn residents will be asked, how well do you know Weyburn? Is there a part of the city that you would like to share with others or that you would like to learn about for free? Or, do you know where the hidden treasures are in Weyburn. Have you ever thought about sharing your knowledge of the city with others or learning about town from people in your community?
Weyburn will be taking part in its first annual Jane’s Walk Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7. This is a series of free walking tours that help connect community members to share knowledge about Weyburn and area. So far there are two walks slated to take place in Weyburn. One walk is titled “Souris : The Mighty Mouse” and is themed around the Souris River. This walk is a grab bag of intriguing historic, geographic, and ecological information centered around the mighty Souris Rver and what it brings to Weyburn and surrounding area. This starts at the top of the “Toboggan Hill” on Confederation Drive on Saturday, May 6, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The subject of “Haig’s Hood” is based on the neighbourhood surrounding Haig school. For the “Haig’s Hood” walk, the group will be looking at parts of the history of Weyburn since the first homesteader came to this area. They will discuss some of the more major features (Haig School, the Free Methodist Church, Don Mitchell Park, etc.) This event starts in front of Haig School on May 7 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Each walk should take no more than an hour and will occur regardless of the weather conditions. There is no registration, and all walks are free.
Each year, more than 100 cities worldwide celebrate the legacy of Toronto urban activist Jane Jacobs through a free, not-for-profit event called Jane’s Walk. A Jane’s Walk is different from the typical cultural tour: it’s a walking conversation, led by a local resident, about a variety of aspects of living or working in different communities. Jane’s Walk are about getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Free walks held on the first weekend of May each year are led by locals who want to create a space for residents to talk about what matters to them in the places they live and work.
Taking part in a walk is simple. Just show up at the start point, walk, and enjoy. If you have information to contribute, by all means, let the group know. There is no registration necessary and the events are open to anyone and everyone. Also, leading a walk is easy. Anyone – including you – can lead a Jane’s Walk, and you can plan one in just a few days. All you’ll need is a theme, a meeting point, a route, and a time. The possible themes are limitless, including history, preservation, revitalization, public art, green spaces, wildlife, ecology and much more.
“It’s a great way to get out and experience your community,” said Lindsay Manko-Bauche, city organizer. “I spent my youth in Weyburn and had the opportunity to live in a number of different city centres throughout Canada. From Calgary to Ottawa to Regina, Jane’s Walks have been a great way to get to know interesting details about the places I have lived. I wanted to bring that experience back to my home town, and have the opportunity to enrich the ‘Opportunity City’. Weyburn has so much to offer, the possibilities for walks are endless. Plus how can you beat a free family and community-oriented event?”
The public is encouraged to visit http://janeswalk.org/canada/weyburn/ for more information to participate in or lead a walk. Be sure to visit janeswalk.org for more information about Jane’s Walk as a movement. You can also “like” their Facebook Page. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Lindsay Manko-Bauche at lmankobauche@gmail.com.
