Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival is much more than a weekend of events; it’s a shared experience shaped by the people who help to make it happen.
There’s also joy in it all—sidewalks become canvases, streets fill with conversation, and the neighbourhood feels more connected. For many, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like belonging.
Signup to volunteer, meet new friends and get to know your community from the inside.
We’re looking for:
Walk Marshalls
Marshalls assist the walk leader to manage the group, count heads, etc. Marshalling is easy, and you’ll also get to enjoy the walk experience as a participant. Marshals give a short introduction to Jane’s Walk and the walk leader, keeps the group togethe with an an eye on safety (for instance, at traffic lights), and reporting back to us after the walk on the number of people who came to the walk and whether everything went smoothly. We provide each marshal with the script they need to introduce Jane Jacobs and the walk leader. We also give them a free ticket to the bike giveaway by Capital Bike.
- 2 volunteers for Saturday, May 2 afternoon
- 1 volunteer for Sunday, May 3 morning
- 3 volunteers for Sunday, May 3 afternoon
Event Booth at For Good Measure
Be the welcoming face of Jane’s Walk James Bay by volunteering at the Information & Volunteer Check-In booth at For Good Measure, 579 Niagara Street. This central hub is where questions are answered, directions are given, and volunteers get everything they need to shine, including a washroom. You’ll greet participants, check volunteers in and out, hand out lanyards, walk leader introductions and share brochures that help people make the most of the weekend. It’s a friendly, social role at the heart of the action—perfect for someone who enjoys helping others, staying organized, and being part of a vibrant community event.
- The booth needs to be staffed from 830 am to 4:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday
- Each shifts typically for 3.5 hours, two shifts in the morning,, two in the afternoon
- You’re welcome to bring a friend and a good book if you’re between walk starts
- You’re welcome to bring a bag lunch (with the permission of For Good Measure as you wish)
- Tea and coffee are free while you’re on shift at For Good Measure (they are a supporting sponsor of the festival)
Guided Walk Photographers
Volunteer photographers are needed tocapture the spirit of the Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival by focusing on candid, people-centered moments and the character of the neighbourhood. Look for interactions between walk leaders and participants, expressive faces during storytelling, and small details like hands sketching sidewalk chalk art. Wide shots of groups moving through tree-lined streets or along the waterfront help convey the scale and setting, while close-ups of heritage homes, garden gates, and street textures add visual richness. Don’t miss the energy of the Sidewalk Chalk Art activities—colour in progress, artists at work, and families engaging together.
- You’ll be provided an email address to upload your photos when we receive your volunteer sign up form
- We’ll select 5 photos from those submitted and showcase them on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr and on the website with credit to the photographers and to their Facebook page or website.
- Please add a caption to your photos to increase their interest
Jane’s Walk & Roll with Capital Bike Helpers
Love bikes, community events, and helping things run smoothly? Volunteer with us at the Jane’s Walk & Roll and play a hands-on role in bringing this lively, family-friendly experience to life. Inspired by Jane Jacobs’ passion for people-centered streets and biking (she never owned a car and preferred to bike), this event features a fun bike obstacle course led by Capital Bike, along with engaging talks from local experts. Volunteers will monitor the activity to ensure everyone behaves themselves and answer questions on behalf of the festival. It’s a great way to meet people, be part of an energetic outdoor event, and contribute to a celebration of active transportation and community connection.
- Saturday, May 2 from 12:30 – 4:00 pm | South Park School | 508 Douglas Street
- Volunteer positions filed.
Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Run Up
Kick off the creative spirit of Jane’s Walk by sharing your talent and inspiring others! Local artists—whether you’re just starting out or already established—are invited to volunteer for a live sidewalk chalk art demonstration on Friday, May 1, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This is your chance to showcase your style, experiment in a fun, public setting, and spark curiosity in passersby of all ages. Your work will help set the tone for the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest launching the next day, encouraging community members to pick up the chalk and join in. Be part of something colourful, collaborative, and joyfully creative—while connecting with fellow artists and leaving your mark on the streets of James Bay,
- 3 emerging artists to come Chalk it Up! at the Run Up for the Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
- Friday, May 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
- You’ll earn a free ticket for the Bike Giveaway donated by Capital Bike (valued at $175), and a full-day rental of an electric bike donated by Pedego Bikes (valued at $100) and lots of free publicity for your portfolio
Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Helpers
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers (ages 16+) to help bring colour and creativity to Chalk It Up during the Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival!
From 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, on Saturday or Sunday, May 2 or 3, you’ll be stationed at a location in James Bay. Your role is simple but important: welcome participants, hand out chalk and stencils, share sample ideas, and encourage people of all ages to get creative. Volunteers will help inspire sidewalk art based on themes like Eyes on the Street, Sidewalk Ballet, and quotes by Jane Jacobs or anything they might imagine. You’ll also help guide registered participants who wish to enter the Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest for a chance to win prizes from local businesses and arts organizations.
No artistic experience needed—just a friendly attitude and willingness to help!
- Runs from 11:00 – 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3
- Meet up at For Good Measure to begin your shift
- You’re welcome to bring a friend
Sign up to volunteer and you’ll be eligible to enter the draw for this bike donated by Capital Bike and the helmet donated by Pedego Bikes— don’t miss your chance to win! You’ll earn a ticket for each shift you work for the Bike & Helmet giveaway draw.
Volunteer Benefits
1. Feel part of something meaningful
Volunteers help bring a community celebration to life. Being part of a festival inspired by Jane Jacobs means contributing to ideas about livable, connected neighbourhoods—something bigger than a typical event.
2. Meet interesting people (and expand your circle)
From local historians and artists to families and newcomers, volunteers connect with a wide mix of people. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to build friendships and feel more rooted in the James Bay community.
3. Discover your neighbourhood in a new way
Even longtime residents learn surprising stories, hidden places, and local history through the walks and activities. Volunteering offers a behind-the-scenes perspective you don’t get as a regular attendee.
4. Build skills and experience
Whether it’s event coordination, welcoming guests, helping with kids’ activities, or supporting logistics, volunteers gain practical experience—and something tangible to add to a resume or portfolio.
5. Have fun while giving back
There’s a real energy to the festival: sidewalk chalk art, guided walks, cycling events, conversations. Volunteering doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like being part of a lively, creative weekend.
6. Free ticket for a draw to win this bike and a bike helmet for every shift you work 7.
The draw for the bike and helmet takes place on Sunday, May 3 at 6:00 pm at For Good Measure. You do not need to be there to win although we hope you will be. Winner will be notified by phone on May 3.
