Centre for City Ecology

The mission of Centre for City Ecology (CCE) is to cultivate a broad understanding of how cities - their economies, neighbourhoods, communities, and institutions – organically develop and thrive. The goals of the CCE are to increase ‘urban literacy’ and to promote civic engagement and community leadership in city-building. The focus of the Centre is largely influenced by the writings and activism of long-time Toronto resident Jane Jacobs. The primary focus of CCE in the next year is the expansion of a program called Jane’s Walk, inaugurated in May 2007. It is a pedestrian focused event that offers free neighbourhood tours, led by local residents and activists, that combines insights into urban history, the nature of civic engagement, and planning and design concepts with the simple act of walking and observing. Jane’s Walk is currently exploring expansion options with local partners in Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, Vancouver, Montreal and New York City.

The director of CCE and Jane’s Walk is Jane Farrow.