Jane's Walk Theme for 2025: 'Third Places' in Community
Come join us for Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau and discover unique, inclusive third places!
Our theme this year, for the 2025 Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau Festival, will be Third Places! Third places are spaces that connect us, which feels more important than ever right now. Some researchers show that third places can neutralize loneliness, political polarization and create space for resilience.
Third places are the spaces where we gather outside of home and work. They are the libraries, parks, community centers and coffee shops where we meet, share, and grow. These transformative spaces are vital because they foster a sense of belonging and encourage spontaneous interactions. In a world that can feel fragmented, third places offer a sanctuary for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration. They are the heartbeats of our neighbourhoods, where diverse voices come together to shape a vibrant, inclusive community.
One of the most profound movements celebrating third places is Jane’s Walk. Named after the urban activist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s walk is a global initiative - with over 500 cities participating globally! - that encourages people to explore their cities through free, locally led walking tours. Jacobs believed that cities should be designed for people, not cars, and that the best way to understand a city is to walk its streets. Jane’s Walk embodies her vision by empowering citizens to share their stories, insights and dreams for their neighbourhoods.
Imagine the magic of a Jane’s Walk: strangers becoming friends as they stroll through familiar streets, discovering hidden gems and learning about the history and culture that shape their surroundings. These walks are more than just tours; they are acts of reclaiming public space and fostering civic engagement. They remind us that every street, every building, every river and every park has a story worth telling!
As we embrace the spirit of third places and Jane’s Walk, we are reminded of our collective power to shape our communities. We are encouraged to be curious, to listen, and to engage with the world around us. By participating in Jane’s Walk, we honour Jane Jacob’s legacy and contribute to a movement that celebrates the beauty and diversity of urban life.
Let us walk together, not just to see our cities, but to truly understand them. Let us create and cherish third places where everyone feels welcome and valued. In doing so, we build stronger, more connected communities that reflect the best of who we are.
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the concept of third places in his 1989 book, The Great Good Place. Third place, a neutral ground where individuals can relax and converse, has been explored at Jane’s Walk in the past including at Sarah Gelbard’s walk “The Sociology of Third Places”. Third places serve as true citizen spaces for free social interaction, which is crucial for democracy.
We are extremely excited to create a third place for you at Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau 2025! Please come and join us for a guided walk (or two or three!) to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our community, discover new spaces, meet your neighbours, and engage in lively discussions.
article by Ashlin Kelly