The Netherlands is proud of its historic canals. People from all over the world come to admire them. However, these attractions are increasingly becoming overloaded and outdated. How can we preserve the canals and ensure the safety of the bridges and quays? And how can we tie this to other challenges like greening cities, the energy transition, and future-proof water management? The City Deal 'Tijdloze Grachten' and its partners are joining forces for an integrated approach.
The function of Dutch canals
Canals were not just built to drain excess water during sudden rises in the past. In cities like Utrecht and Leiden, they also served as a defensive line. In the 17th century, canals were even used for logistics. Nowadays, cities no longer need wide canals for defence, and most canal traffic consists of tour boats and leisure vessels.
Why the City Deal 'Tijdloze Grachten'?
Canals play an important role in combating flooding, have a cultural and historical significance, and contribute to a positive experience of public spaces. However, our canals, quays, cellar vaults, bridges, and locks are ageing, in poor condition, and under heavy strain. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about their actual state, and there is a need for more sustainable restoration methods. This talking board shows the tasks that can be addressed during maintenance, from greening and the energy transition to water management and underground infrastructure. Starting from September 25, the City Deal 'Tijdloze Grachten' will work with the national government and municipalities such as Utrecht, Amsterdam, The Hague, and Leiden to keep the historic centres of Dutch inner cities livable and safe in an integrated manner. For now and future generations.
How will the City Deal 'Tijdloze Grachten' achieve this?
In this City Deal, partners work on a structural collaboration and a new standard that will apply to all cities with canals. Four themes will address these topics. They will explore how to align agendas, gather the right expertise, make choices for renovation and maintenance, and effectively link different challenges. New methods will then be expanded into a national standard. Read more about the four workstreams here.
Agenda Stad
The City Deals are part of Agenda Stad, an intergovernmental program in which cities, societal partners, and the national government collaborate to strengthen Dutch cities' innovation.
*The current partners are: Utrecht, Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, Den Bosch, Dordrecht, Delft, AMS Institute, Platform BiKa, CROW, TKI Bouw en Techniek, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, DHM, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Rijkswaterstaat (I&W and RWS), Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Cultural Heritage Agency (OCW and RCE), Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO). There is also a sounding board group of municipalities that do not actively participate but reflect on developments and that will be future users.