canalonly

canalonly is a term used in urban planning and transportation discourse to describe a development principle that prioritizes canal corridors as the primary mobility and drainage infrastructure within a city or district. In a canalonly layout, pedestrian and cyclist networks are integrated with water-based transit, and street space is reorganized to support canal traffic and waterfront use.

Origin and scope: The concept appears in speculative urban-design literature and pilot projects exploring climate resilience and multimodal mobility. It builds on the historical role of canal systems in cities such as Amsterdam and Bangkok, adapting them to contemporary needs for flood management, climate adaptation, and sustainable transport.

Design and features: Typical elements include:

- Dedicated waterway lanes for passenger and cargo boats

- Integrated docking, transfer, and charging hubs

- Reduced or redirected roadways to prioritize canals

- Waterfront promenades and bike paths

- Flood-resilient embankments and blue-green infrastructure

Applications and reception: canalonly discussions often occur in master plans, academic journals, and municipal pilots. Supporters argue it can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve resilience; critics cite feasibility, cost, accessibility for non-water users, safety, and maintenance requirements.

See also: Water-sensitive urban design, blue-green infrastructure, canal transportation, sustainable cities.