Brockport, N.Y. – As the Erie Canal marks its 200th anniversary, the World Canal Conference is bringing attention to this historic waterway, drawing visitors from across the nation and the globe. The conference saw participants from 22 states and 11 different countries, gathering to share insights and celebrate the canal’s rich history.
The event highlighted several key attractions, including the new walkway bridge over the Erie Canal in Brockport, located opposite the college. Participants were taken on a comprehensive tour that included meeting the local mayor, exploring the visitor center, and witnessing a science workshop where students are building boats to traverse the canal. The tour also showcased newly installed docks designed to facilitate kayak launches, emphasizing the canal’s evolving recreational use.
Adding an international perspective, Sri Krishna Kumar, with extensive experience managing irrigation canals in India, expressed his interest in understanding how canals are utilized in other countries. Similarly, Jonathan Arnold from Parks Canada visited to exchange ideas and learn about the canal’s innovative use of drone technology for infrastructure monitoring.
Representing China, Cheng Hao, who operates canal tours, shared his reflections using AI translation. He noted the Erie Canal’s transition from a bustling waterway to a serene site for recreation, observing its ongoing cultural impact and how it enhances contemporary life.
Participants also experienced Lock 32 in Pittsford aboard the Colonial Belle. They observed the operation of the locks, which rely on gravity to manage water levels, an engineering feat still admired today. Captain Tammee Poinan Grimes took them on a journey under intentionally low railroad bridges, built by competing railroads to hinder canal traffic.
Morgan McClary from Amsterdam, NY, expressed interest in the adaptive kayak launches and rowing teams, seeing potential for similar initiatives in her region.
A dramatic moment unfolded as the Colonial Belle encountered a large barge, demonstrating that the canal still serves a commercial purpose beyond tourism. Looking ahead, a flotilla will honor the canal’s bicentennial, featuring a replica of the Seneca Chief, the boat that opened the canal two centuries ago. The flotilla will journey from Rochester to Pittsford and Fairport, enabling attendees to witness a living piece of history.
Amid the celebrations, participants learned about ongoing maintenance efforts, including lowering the water level to address hundreds of leaks detected along the canal. This proactive measure ensures the preservation of the canal’s integrity while solutions are sought for patching leaks in Medina.
This constructive blend of history, innovation, and community engagement underscores the Erie Canal’s enduring legacy as a pivotal piece of American infrastructure, continuing to inspire and connect people around the world.