200 years ago, the first spade went into the ground to mark the start of the digging of the Apeldoorn Canal. This was celebrated on Saturday with various activities along Kanaal Zuid. Construction of the canal began in 1825 under King William I. The northern section was opened in 1829, linking Apeldoorn with the River IJssel at Hattem. The canal was later extended to Dieren. By 1866, the entire canal was complete.
Peter Messerschmidt, Councillor for Cultural Heritage, opened the afternoon’s events at the Schatkamer van Zuid and unveiled two scale models of former factory sites on this site. Afterwards, visitors were able to take a ride on a dragon boat, which was escorted along the canal by young rowers from the De Grift Rowing Club. The children’s mayor was introduced to sailing under the guidance of the Youth Sailing School. Visitors were also able to watch a demonstration of lime slaking at the former Salomons lime kiln. Artist Stephan Peters (PENpaints) spoke about his mural on the quay wall.
“The Apeldoorn Canal tells an important part of our history.”
“The Apeldoorn Canal tells an important part of our history. It was once a vital link for trade and industry. Today, the canal is primarily a place for walking, cycling, boating and enjoying nature. With the new information panels along the canal, residents and visitors alike can discover both stories,” says Peter Messerschmidt, Councillor for Cultural Heritage.
New features have been installed at various points along Kanaal Zuid to commemorate the area’s industrial past. These include scale models of the former Buiscar and Van der Ploeg factory sites, a silhouette of the former Remmert Holland paint factory, and various information boards.
The banks along the Paddle Trail equipped with information boards and a QR code. This allows walkers and cyclists to find out more about the plants, animals and history of the area.
The afternoon drew to a close at the Peddelpad near Marchantstraat, where the Peddelpad was officially opened. Visitors were able to take part in nature activities organised by IVN and have a look around the De Grift Rowing Club. The rowing club’s clubhouse was then open to visitors.
The Apeldoorn Heritage Platform, the Heritage Canal Foundation and the Oud Apeldoorn Association were also in attendance. They told visitors more about the history and heritage of the Apeldoorn Canal.
The start of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Apeldoorn Canal marks the beginning of a period in which the canal will be in the spotlight. Over the coming years, various stories about the canal’s history, nature and future will be highlighted.
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