The Houtdok was dug in 1881 as an extension of the Handelsdok. The construction of the Handelsdok took place in conjunction with the digging of the Ghent-Terneuzen sea canal in 1827, an important step in the industrial development of the north of Ghent. Today the Houtdok no longer fulfills an industrial function, but its pollution is still present. The Flemish Waterway has therefore banned swimming in the Houtdok. Some local residents want this to change. They work together with the non-profit organization Waterland, which campaigns for clean water and more open bathing water in Belgium. The problem of the Houtdok is therefore a symbol for water as a commons. Water represents an important diversity of communal functions and collective destinations, and not only in terms of recreation.

Sources:

Van Aerschot-Van Haeverbeeck, Suzanne. Building through the ages : inventory of cultural heritage in Belgium. Architecture. Part 4nc: City of Ghent, 19th and 20th century urban expansion. Ghent: Snoeck-Ducaju & Zoon n.v., 1983.

“Swimming legally in the Houtdok this summer? ‘The permits have been applied for,’” Het Nieuwsblad, 16.07.2021. Waterland. Consulted on 31.03.2022. waterlandvzw.be

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Elevation 10 m

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Location: Ghent, Gent, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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