The New York State Canal system officially opened for the season on Friday.
It’s the 202nd consecutive season of navigation and, at a time when America readies to celebrate its 250th birthday, is a reminder of New York’s critical role, both past and present, in our country’s history, according to the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corp.
“We have a year packed with events and community celebrations and hope that New Yorkers and visitors across the 524-mile system join us to enjoy all that this scenic waterway has to offer,” NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said.
New York State Canal Corporation maintenance and operations staff worked through a challenging winter season to ensure the canal system’s locks, lift bridges, and infrastructure assets are safe and in good working order to welcome boaters from around the world.
All but three of the canal system’s 57 locks began their seasonal operation on Friday. The Erie Canal between Lock E-24 in Baldwinsville and Lock E-25 in Mays Point, and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal between the junction with the Erie Canal and Lock CS-1 in Cayuga, are experiencing high water due to recent rain. Those sections of the canal system will open once the water levels recede and buoys are placed.
State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “In my first months on the job, I’ve toured this complex, historic system from end to end and have seen firsthand how hard our operations and maintenance crews work to keep it running. Through their ‘Canal Craft’ — often fabricating parts in-house and working in grueling winter conditions — our skilled workforce ensures every piece of infrastructure is ready by opening day. I’ve also seen how much this waterway and its adjacent trail mean to New Yorkers, and how much the corridor offers the community and visitors alike through recreation, arts and cultural programming, and environmental stewardship.”
Travelers on the Canal system and local canalside residents will have the opportunity to experience many free programs, including:
• The Medina Triennial, a free, international contemporary art exhibition that brings together diverse artists, communities, and disciplines, takes place for its first installment, from June 6 to Sept. 7.
• Albany Symphony’s Water Music series:
· July 10: Erie Canal Lock E-2, Waterford
· July 11: Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome
· Aug. 15: Gateway Harbor Park, The Tonawandas.
• The Back to Buffalo Tour for the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, which will span 16 ports in 22 days.
• On the Canals continues into its seventh year, offering accessible outdoor activities for all.
A full list of events and happenings may be found through this interactive calendar: canals.ny.gov