Last year I enjoyed my Jane’s Walk so much I’ve decided to do it again. On Saturday, May 2, I’ll be leading two 1.5-hour strolls through Calgary’s Balmoral neighbourhood, the main setting for my latest novel, A Killer Whisky. The novel takes place in 1918 and the focus of my walk will be the community’s history. Balmoral developed during Calgary’s real estate boom in the early 20th century. Many buildings of historical significance still stand and serve their original purpose, like Balmoral School, one of 19 sandstone schools build by the Calgary School Board during that time of rapid city growth.  

My walks will essentially be the same as last year’s with added details I’ve learned since then. Last May, during my introductory spiel in Balmoral Circus Park, a long time resident recalled that a home on the square used to be a Scouts Canada meeting hall. I’ve since confirmed this and will add the tidbit to my talk. 

Another resident thought a former mayor of Calgary had lived in a home adjacent to the square. After the walk, she rang the doorbell and chatted with the current owners, who were aware of their home’s illustrious former resident. These kinds of group participation make Jane’s walks engaging and relaxed. This mayor was a colourful character and I’ve researched him for the walks. 

 
Balmoral Circus Park, the walks’ beginning and end points, was recently redeveloped as a community meeting place with tables and chairs–heavy and solid so they aren’t easy to steal. This year my walk description ends with an invitation to bring a lunch to eat at the tables after the morning walk or before the afternoon walk if the weather’s fine. Calgary weather in early May can potentially be cold, snowy, hot, rainy, or perfect for a picnic outside. The walks will go ahead unless there’s a blizzard or deluge.

Jane’s Walks happen annually the first weekend of May in cities around the world. The walks are free, but you have to register. Many walks fill quickly. I originally scheduled a morning Balmoral Heritage Walk but, after it filled, I added a repeat walk in the afternoon. You can register here. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/balmoral-heritage-walk-tickets-1986939846568?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

For more information and to see if your home city will participate, check out this website: Jane’s Walk – Jane’s Walk is a festival of free, community-led walking conversations.

If you’re in Calgary, have a look at this year’s Calgary offerings: https://janeswalk.calgarycommunities.com/  Last year, Calgarians enjoyed over 80 walks that included bike rides and a two-minute walk to a historic building to make sketches. The majority of the Jane’s Walks range from easy strolls like mine to vigourous city hikes.

 
Something for everyone!