Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was a visionary urbanist, journalist, and author whose groundbreaking ideas transformed the way we think about cities. Moving from New York to Toronto in the 1960s, Jacobs became a key figure in the city’s fight against large-scale urban renewal projects, most notably her successful campaign to stop the construction of an expressway through the vibrant neighborhood of Queen Street West. Her book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), critiqued top-down urban planning and emphasized the importance of mixed-use neighborhoods, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and community involvement.
Jacobs also spent time in Vancouver, where her ideas influenced local urban planning, notably the city’s approach to preserving its mixed-use neighborhoods and maintaining a balance between development and public space. Her work continues to inspire urban planners, architects, and activists, both in Canada and around the world, advocating for cities that prioritize people, diversity, and community over cars and excessive development.
