2022 Navigation Season on the Erie Canal!

2022 Navigation Season – System Hours

April 14, 2022

 

Mariners are advised that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open Friday, May 20, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. for the 2022 Navigation Season. If adjustments to the schedule are necessary, the public will be notified accordingly. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year. 

The hours of operation for the 2022 season are as follows:

  • Standard hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily until October 12, 2022.

The following locks and lift bridges will operate with extended hours, through peak navigation season May 20 through September 14, as follows:

7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.:

  • Lock C-1 (Halfmoon)
  • Lock E-8 (Rotterdam)
  • Lock E-23 (Brewerton)
  • Lock O-1 (Phoenix)
  • Lock O-2 (Fulton)
  • Lock O-3 (Fulton)
  • Lock O-8 (Oswego)
  • Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville)
  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Fairport)
  • Lock E-32 (Pittsford)
  • Lock E-33 (Henrietta)
  • Spencerport Lift Bridge
  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge
  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge (Brockport)
  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Brockport)
  • Holley Lift Bridge
  • Hulberton Lift Bridge
  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge (Albion)
  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Albion)
  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge
  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge
  • Medina Lift Bridge
  • Middleport Lift Bridge
  • Gasport Lift Bridge
  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge (Lockport)
  • Lock E-34/35 (Lockport)
  • Lock CS-1 (Cayuga)
  • Lock CS-2/3 (Seneca Falls)
  • Lock CS-4 (Waterloo)

7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

  • Lock E-25 (Mays Point)
  • Lock E-26 (Clyde)
  • Lock E-27 (Lyons)
  • Lock E-28A (Lyons)
  • Lock E-28B (Newark)
  • Lock E-29 (Palmyra)
  • Lock E-30 (Macedon)

In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-21 and E-22 in New London will operate with extended hours, on demand, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday from May 20 to September 14. Due to roving operations, some delays may be experienced during certain periods.

Mariners should plan accordingly for scheduled lockages at Champlain Canal Locks C-7 and C-8 in Fort Edward this season. Details regarding the schedule will follow in a subsequent Notice to Mariners. More information can be found here.

Vessels will be admitted through structures if arriving prior to scheduled closing.  Vessels arriving at Lock CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls or Lock E-34/35 in Lockport from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both chambers.  Vessels arriving westbound at Lock E-21 in New London or arriving eastbound at Lock E-22 in Verona prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks.  Vessels arriving southbound at Lock C-4 in Stillwater or arriving northbound at Lock C-3 in Mechanicville prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks.  Vessels arriving at the Waterford Flight from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through the entire Flight.

The Canal Corporation continues to seek seasonal employees to staff the locks and lift bridges across the Canal system. Extending operating hours at the Waterford Flight and Lock E-7 (Niskayuna) for example are contingent on adequate staffing levels. Those interested in applying for a position should visit the Canal Corporation’s website.

All Canal users are encouraged to learn how they can assist in mitigating the spread of aquatic invasives species to ensure the Canal’s resiliency for generations to come and help protect New York’s waters from invasive pests. For more information on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Steward Program, please visit DEC’s website.

In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation Emergency Call Center at: (833) 538-1042.

 

Electric Houseboats Cruising the Erie Canal

The E-Houseboat is being designed and built to be the first all-electric propelled and powered houseboat commercially available within the US.

The design team at East Coast Houseboats has been actively working on a completely unique way of building houseboats, and the E-Houseboat will be the first to benefit from this method. 

Starting with a fiberglass pontoon platform, the hulls are designed to minimize weight and provide less resistance as it travels down the waterway.  The cabin is built completely with lightweight composite materials but without sacrificing the level of year-round comfort that is common to our standard boat designs

East Coast Houseboats has been fortunate enough to partner with marine industry leaders such as Yanmar Mastry and Glendenning Marine to provide the propulsion and control engineering.

The design includes the necessary infrastructure to not only propel the boats, but re-charge it’s battery bank as she plies the Erie Canal in part due to the large rooftop array of lightweight solar panels.

 Capitalizing on the latest lithium-Ion battery technology, controls, and propulsion from industry leaders, and including features such as 12v led lighting throughout, 12v refrigeration, 12v HVAC.  All of which include products chosen for their ability to be integrated into the overall design and build of the boat.

 

At 30’ LOA, with a beam of 12’ the E-Houseboat will comfortably accommodate a family or 4 as a cruising houseboat or can be configured as the perfect day boat anchored in a cove. 

Looking to design your own version, we can build these boats from 22’ to 30’ and in beams from 10’ to 15’9”.  The engineering can be configured to focus less on daily cruising and more on daily living, as an example these boats could be completely off the grid cabins located in remote locations.

Outdoor spaces include a front deck, as well as a large roof deck space perfect for great views and sunsets.

E-One the first boat of its kind is scheduled to launch on the waters of the Erie Canal System in New York during the 2022 Navigation season.  The boat during its sea trials will be available for lock tours, boat shows and on the water events throughout the year.  E-One will then be available for bareboat charters on the Erie Canal. 

 

NYS Canal Corporation announces schedule for 2021 Navigational Season

The NYS Canal Corporation has announced the navigation schedule for 2021 Season

Mariners are advised that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal System are scheduled to open Friday, May 21, 2021, at 7:00 a.m. for the 2021 navigation season.  This proposed schedule of operations could be impacted by the COVID pandemic and/or the need to repair critical infrastructure.  The public will be notified accordingly through the Notice to Mariners system if this occurs. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal System in 2021. 

The hours of operation for the 2021 season are as follows:

  • Standard hours of operation until navigation season closing date, October 13: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until September 15:

  • Lock C-1, Halfmoon
  • Lock E-7, Niskayuna
  • Lock E-8, Rotterdam
  • Lock E-23, Brewerton
  • Lock O-1, Phoenix
  • Lock O-2, Fulton
  • Lock O-3, Fulton
  • Lock O-8, Oswego
  • Lock E-24, Baldwinsville
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Fairport
  • Lock E-32, Pittsford
  • Lock E-33, Henrietta
  • Spencerport Lift Bridge
  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge
  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge, Brockport
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Brockport
  • Holley Lift Bridge
  • Hulberton Lift Bridge
  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge, Albion
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Albion
  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge
  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge
  • Medina Lift Bridge
  • Middleport Lift Bridge
  • Gasport Lift Bridge
  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge, Lockport
  • Lock E-34/35, Lockport
  • Lock CS-1, Cayuga
  • Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls
  • Lock CS-4, Waterloo

In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until September 15:

  • Lock E-25, Mays Point
  • Lock E-26, Clyde
  • Lock E-27, Lyons
  • Lock E-28A, Lyons
  • Lock E-28B, Newark
  • Lock E-29, Palmyra
  • Lock E-30, Macedon

In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-2 through E-6 and Guard Gate #2 in the Waterford Flight as well as Locks E-21 and E-22 will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Thursday through Monday from May 21 to September 15.  During the same period, the hours of operation for the Waterford Flight will be 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Due to roving operations, some delays may be experienced during certain periods in the Waterford Flight. 

 

Vessels will be admitted through structures if arriving prior to scheduled closing.  Vessels arriving at Lock CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls or Lock E-34/35 in Lockport from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both chambers.  Vessels arriving westbound at Lock E-21 in New London or arriving eastbound at Lock E-22 in Verona prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks.  Vessels arriving southbound at Lock C-4 in Stillwater or arriving northbound at Lock C-3 in Mechanicville prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks.  Vessels arriving at the Waterford Flight from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through the entire Flight.

 

 

2019 Navigation Season on the Erie Canal

The New York State Canal Corporation has announced the operational hours and dates for the 2019 Navigation Season for the entire canal system.
Boaters are advised that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal System are scheduled to open Friday, May 17, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. for the 2019 navigation season. There will be no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal System in 2019.

The hours of operation for the 2019 season are as follows:
• May 17 to October 16: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from May 17 to September 11:
• Lock C-1, Halfmoon
• Lock E-7, Niskayuna                                 

A View From The Bridge

• Lock E-8, Rotterdam
• Lock E-23, Brewerton
• Lock O-1, Phoenix
• Lock O-2, Fulton
• Lock O-3, Fulton
• Lock O-8, Oswego
• Lock E-24, Baldwinsville
• Main Street Lift Bridge, Fairport
• Lock E-32, Pittsford
• Lock E-33, Henrietta
• Spencerport Lift Bridge
• Adams Basin Lift Bridge
• Park Avenue Lift Bridge, Brockport
• Main Street Lift Bridge, Brockport
• Holley Lift Bridge
• Hulberton Lift Bridge
• Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge, Albion
• Main Street Lift Bridge, Albion
• Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge
• Knowlesville Lift Bridge
• Medina Lift Bridge
• Middleport Lift Bridge
• Gasport Lift Bridge
• Exchange Street Lift Bridge, Lockport
• Lock E-34/35, Lockport
• Lock CS-1, Cayuga
• Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls
• Lock CS-4, Waterloo
In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from May 17 to September 11:
• Lock E-25, Mays Point     

• Lock E-26, Clyde

• Lock E-27, Lyons
• Lock E-28A, Lyons                             
• Lock E-28B, Newark
• Lock E-29, Palmyra
• Lock E-30, Macedon
In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-2 through E-6 and Guard Gate #2 in the Waterford Flight as well as Locks E-21 and E-22 will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Thursday through Monday from May 17 to September 11. During the same period, the hours of operation for the Waterford Flight will be 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Due to roving operations, some delays may be experienced during certain periods in the Waterford Flight.
Vessels will be admitted through structures if arriving prior to scheduled closing. Vessels arriving at Lock CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls or Lock E-34/35 in Lockport from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both chambers. Vessels arriving westbound at Lock E-21 in New London or arriving eastbound at Lock E-22 in Verona prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks. Vessels arriving southbound at Lock C-4 in Stillwater or arriving northbound at Lock C-3 in Mechanicville prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks. Vessels arriving at the Waterford Flight from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through the entire Flight.
To be advised of all information related to navigation on the Canal, sign up for the New York States Notices for Mariners notifications
http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/tas/tascanals/index.as

Lyons NY Peppermint Days

Peppermint Days, Lyons NY 2018

If you like parades, fireworks, concerts, food, car shows and small-town charm then you want to be in Lyons NY from July 13th – July 15th. 2018. Lyons celebrates its heritage as the Peppermint Capital of the world. In 1841 E.G. Hotchiss located his essential oils business to Lyons where he processed the locally grown peppermint plants into oils and other related products.

Lyons is the county seat of Wayne County, the village is full of historical buildings and architecture, six village properties are listed on the NYS and National Register of Historic Places. It is also a “Main Street USA” designated village.

Read More

1.5 Billion Dollars Generated Annually Through Events Along The Erie Canal

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor just released a study which shows that an estimated 1.5 billion dollars is generated annually by events such as boat tours, bicycle and paddle-sport rentals and historic site and museum tours along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Events and tours drew more than 3.3 million visitors in 2017
Erie Canalway commissioned this study in part to determine the impacts of tourism throughout the Canal Corridor. The analysis was conducted by Level 7 Market Research  and supported by a grant from Market New York through I Love NY.
Over the last 10 years, the number of events along the Canal system has increased dramatically to include concerts, art festivals, cycling and paddling events as well as celebrations of local foods and beverages and events that focus on history and heritage. The NYS Canal Corporation website calendar listed more than 470 events.
The Erie Canal from Waterford to Brewerton is scheduled to open on May 15th. weather permitting with the entire canal system scheduled to open on May 18th.
In 2018 events include the 20th. Anniversary of Cycle The Erie Canal Bike Tour organized by Parks & Trails New York and the cross-canal journey of the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge, traveling with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Canal Schooner Lois McClure
For the full Canal Event Analysis and Visitor Research Study, click here.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.  Read the entire report

New Kayak Launch Baldwinsville NY

 

The Village is pleased to announce completion of a new kayak launch in  Community Park.  This launch provides easy access for kayaking in the Seneca River.  This portion of the river provides great flat water kayaking with the opportunity to view many species of wildlife including heron, water fowl, bald eagles, muskrats and more.  Parking is readily available and there are restrooms directly adjacent to the launch site.  This launch will be open until mid-November (depending on weather conditions).  We encourage all local kayakers to come and try it out

Fees Are Waived For Recreational Boaters On The Erie Canal in 2018

For the second straight year fees for recreational boaters are being waived for all recreational boaters on the Erie Canal Season.  That’s the good news, of course that notice came out right after the notification from the New York State Canal Corporation related to the once again shortened schedule for the 2018 navigation season.  The revised schedule is posted here. 

It is very important that the recreational boaters of the region get out on the water this year,  the only way to the Canal Corporation and it’s parent the NY Power Authority will return to a full navigation season is by the boaters and the communities along the canal getting out on the water, attend the waterfront events, use the locks.  A record is kept of every lock through done on the entire system.  If you’re concerned because the locks in your community are only open to 5, get out and use them.  The amount of locking’s in any specific lock is the only way the Canal Corp. can determine the boat traffic in a particular area. 

 

2018 Navigation Season On The Erie Canal

Dates & Hours of Operation during the 2018 Navigation Season on the Erie Canal

The New York State Canal Corporation announced once again that the navigation season on the Erie Canal will be shortened to a schedule similar to the 2017 season.

Boaters are advised that, conditions permitting, the Eastern Erie Canal (locks E-2 Waterford through E-23 Brewerton will be opened on Tuesday May 15th. at 10:00 

The balance of the New York State Canal System, including the Champlain Canal, Western Erie Canal, Oswego Canal and the Cayuga/Seneca Canal will be opened on  Friday May 18th. at 7:00 a.m. conditions permitting.

The entire Erie Canal System will close for the season on Wed October 10th. at 5 p.m.

The standard hours of operation for the 2018 season are 7 a.m. to 5 pm. with the following locks and lift bridges having extended hours until 10 p.m. from May 18th. to Sept. 12th.

  • Lock C-1, Halfmoon
  • Lock E-7, Niskayuna
  • Lock E-23, Brewerton
  • Lock O-1, Phoenix
  • Lock O-2, Fulton
  • Lock O-3, Fulton
  • Lock E-24, Baldwinsville
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Fairport
  • Lock E-32, Pittsford
  • Lock E-33, Henrietta
  • Spencerport Lift Bridge
  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge
  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge, Brockport
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Brockport
  • Holley Lift Bridge
  • Hulberton Lift Bridge
  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge, Albion
  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Albion
  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge
  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge
  • Medina Lift Bridge
  • Middleport Lift Bridge
  • Gasport Lift Bridge
  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge, Lockport
  • Lock E-34/35, Lockport
  • Lock CS-1, Cayuga
  • Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls
  • Lock CS-4, Waterloo

In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-2 through E-6 and Guard Gate #2 in the Waterford Flight will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Thursday through Monday from May 18th to September 12th.  During the same period, the hours of operation for the Waterford Flight will be 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Due to roving operations, some delays may be experienced during certain periods in the Waterford Flight.

Vessels are required to arrive at a lock at least 15 minutes prior to closing to ensure being locked through, and at a lift bridge at least 5 minutes prior to ensure an opening. 

If there is any positive information out of the Canal Corporations continued reduction in the length of the navigational season it’s the fact that they have once again suspended the fees associated with recreational boating.

We welcome your comments on this years schedule.  All comments will be forwarded to the Canal Corporation.

 

 

The Richmond Aqueduct on The Erie Canal

The Richmond Aqueduct Montezuma NY

As the second longest of the aqueducts that were used to transport boats over rivers on the enlarged Erie Canal, The Seneca River Aqueduct also known as the Richmond Aqueduct named after the engineer who designed and directed the construction Van R. Richmond.

The construction of the more than 840’ long structure was started in January of 1849 and was completed and put into use during the spring of 1857. Thirty piers and two abutments of Limestone supported a timber trough carried canal water over the river. Thirty-one stone arches supported the towpath. All but seven of the arches were removed in 1917 to allow for the current day path of the Canal.