My Jane's Walk Revisited by Susan Calder

 

For information on my latest novel go to Amazon

A Killer Whisky is Book #12 of the BWL Canadian Historical Mystery Series

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.  

Walk participants will learn a few oddities about the school's rooftop clock 

My walks will essentially be the same as last years' 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. 

Former scout hall in the background

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 walk.  

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.

Last year's group setting out on the walk from Balmoral Circus Park

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 one Balmoral Heritage Walk in the morning but, after it filled, I added a repeat walk in the afternoon. You can register here.  

For more information and to see if your home city will participate, check out the general Jane's Walk website.

If you're in Calgary, have a look at this year's Calgary offerings.  The organizers will be adding walks until April 26th, so keep checking until then. Last year, they ended up with over 80 events 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!           

Me talking about the Kelly Block (formerly Hicks Block) commercial building
The Calgary organizers supply voice amplifiers - a real benefit for groups up to 40 people