Westergracht was an 'open sewer' – Haarlem residents were glad it was filled in

The municipality of Haarlem is exploring the possibility of reopening several former canals, including the Westergracht near the Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo. While the city investigates restoring these waterways, historical records show that residents in the 1960s were relieved when the Westergracht was filled in because it had become an open sewer.




