NYPA Press Release

Event to Feature Canal Themed Exhibits, Workshops, and Outings 

Link to Conference Program Here  

The Canal Society of New York State and the New York State Canal Corporation today announced the bi-annual New York State Canal Conference will be held Sunday, September 26 through Tuesday, September 28 at the Rivers Casino Event Center at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady, New York. The conference will feature canal themed presentations and exhibits, as well as workshops and outings along the Erie Canal that attendees may participate in as they work together to enhance and promote the State’s Canal system.  

“This year’s conference brings together vibrant places and creative people who are investing in their future, and not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come,” said Canal Society of New York State Conference Chair Kal Wysokowski. “When we see the transformation of communities like Schenectady, Amsterdam, Oswego, and Geneva, we are inspired. This year’s theme is about reconnecting to our waterways and to people. The Mohawk Harbor and City of Schenectady perfectly illustrate this theme.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones said, “Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, we are investing into the future of the State’s Canal system, and I look forward to partnering with Governor Hochul and the Canal Society as we work to transform this historic network of waterways into a recreational destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. This bi-annual conference brings together stakeholders from across the State to do just that – collaborate on the future of the Canal system to ensure its relevant and vibrant for the next generation.”   

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The Canal Corporation looks forward to convening with stakeholders and colleagues at this bi-annual conference as we celebrate the history and majesty of our State’s iconic Canal system while working together on its future. From increasing outdoor recreation to supporting responsible environmental stewardship, investments through the Reimagine the Canals initiative are key to safeguarding the Canal’s role as a driver of economic growth and we look forward with providing an update on the initiative to conference attendees.”    

In addition to a progress report on the Reimagine the Canals initiative, conference attendees may hear presentations on the following topics:

• What Lies Beneath: Shipwrecks Survey Unlock the Secret of Seneca Lake
• Marketing of the Canal system
• Lock Tenders Tribute in Lockport
• Hudson Crossing Park on the Champlain Canal
• Rochester’s ROC the Riverway Waterfront Renaissance
• New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)

Conference participants will have access to “The Irresistible, Incredible Erie,” a free outdoor concert at Mohawk Harbor as well as kayak paddle on the Erie Canal followed by a 15-mile bicycle ride from Mohawk Harbor to the nearby historic Mabee Farm in Rotterdam. In addition, attendees may also participate in mobile workshops that will explore Schenectady’s historic Stockade Neighborhood District, Schoharie Crossing Historic Park, and the Mabee Farm.

Invited speakers for the 2021 annual conference include Congressman Paul Tonko; New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado,  Deputy Secretary of State Kisha Santiago-Martinez, Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, and Oswego Mayor William Barlow.

The bi-annual Canal Conference is hosted by the Canal Society of New York State and is sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation,  with generous support from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and others committed to the preserving the Erie Canal and New York’s history.

To view the full conference program, please visit the Canal Society’s website here.