Prince George, B.C. – Prince George is getting ready to host it’s first Jane’s Walk this weekend.

Inspired by Jane Jacobs, a champion for livable cities planned for and by people, the event will take place this Saturday.

The walks have taken place in over 150 cities around the world and encourage local residents to explore new neighbourhoods, meet new people, and spark serious discussions.

Anyone wishing to participate can lead their own walk or join one that’s already been organized. Residents can learn more on Jane’s Walk website.

“Prince George is a really close community and everyone has interests and we thought it would be something people really like to do here,” says Rebecca Delorey, one of the organizers.

“It’s really a grassroots movement, the website is there and so we’ve just decided to say hey Prince George, here it is, anyone can lead a walk. This is the first year it’s happening so let’s see where it goes from here.”

Two walks have already been organized – one is entitled ‘Resource Development in Rural and Remote Communities’ while the other is called ‘Creative Communities Shaping Livable Downtowns.’

She calls them “walking and talking events” which usually last around an hour.

“People who are really invested in the things they’re talking about. So they can answer any kind of questions for a conversation and of course everyone at these walks has an interest in these things.”

Delorey says Jane’s Walks are usually held in the spring but says organizers here organized the walk to coincide with the return to classrooms.

“We thought wouldn’t it a great idea to have it in September where we have all these students that are new to Prince George or even if they’re returning and know a lot of things about Prince George we thought it would be a great opportunity to allow them to participate as well.”