Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs died earlier this week. I spoke briefly about her contributions on Wednesday in the Legislature. It is too bad that her views have not been more listened to in Manitoba. More attention to her views could have made a big and positive difference in the way Winnipeg has developed.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to say a few words about Jane Jacobs, who passed away yesterday.
Jane Jacobs, one of the great urban thinkers of our time, put forward novel concepts which have led to a much better understanding of the nature of the dynamic and creative forces which are the basis for the growth and well-being of our cities. She identified the economic basis for the growth of villages into towns, of towns into cities and of small cities into large cities. Her analysis described in depth the importance of exports, of import substitution, of innovation, of creativity and of diversity in the growth of the economy of cities and the role of cities in the growth of nations.
But she did more. Jane Jacobs talked about families, communities and safety. She observed that areas were safe when there were vigilant eyes on the street all the time, and when there are people living and working in diverse multi-use neighbourhoods. It is worthy of note that Harvard economist, Edward Glaeser, analyzed various models of economic growth. He concluded that Jane Jacobs' views on economic growth, which recognized the complexity of economic, social and ecological systems, were the only ones which held up under examination. He commented: 'The amazing thing is the extent to which the data bear her out.'
Today, I pay tribute to the life and the contributions of Jane Jacobs in improving the circumstances of communities in Manitoba. We would do well to learn from and to follow the teachings of Jane Jacobs.