Jane's Walks a great way to explore Saskatoon

This weekend, curious urban explorers in Saskatoon can learn more about the city they live in by taking a Jane's Walk.

The citizen-led walks honouring the late Canadian urbanist Jane Jacobs are happening in cities around the world.

Nine Jane's Walks are scheduled for the city, each exploring a different area.

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Lisa Karkut will guide a walk along 33rd Street West focusing on the role the thoroughfare plays in the Caswell Hill and Mayfair neighbourhoods.

First suburb

"It's a slightly different neighbourhood in that it's the original suburb of Saskatoon I suppose, it started in the early 1900s and now it has become completely enveloped by the city," explained Karkut during an interview with host Leisha Grebinski on CBC Radio'sSaskatoon Morning.

Karkut's walk is titled 33rd Street West: Small Town Main Street in the Heart of Saskatoon.

"The character of that original 'main street' is still there," said Karkut.

"It was the gathering place for people in that area and that has continued."

Safeway 'distinct'

One highlight Karkut said she plans to point out on the tour is the neighbourhood Safeway grocery store location.

"It's one of the few remaining 'marina'-style Safeways in North America," said Karkut.

"[That's]a modernist style started in California that moved throughout North America and it's very distinct."

Other Jane's Walks offered locally will focus on Riversdale, the Meewasin Trail and co-housing in the city's West Industrial district.

A full listing is available on the Jane's Walk website.