Canal grants approved for kayak launch in Holley, events in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 January 2025 at 10:01 pm

The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced $255,000 towards projects and events on the Erie Canal this year, which is the bicentennial of the canal’s completion.

Some of the money will go to initiatives in Orleans County, including a new kayak launch in Holley, as well as new decking and stairs, which will provide visitors with better access to launching areas and rest points, according to the Heritage Corridor.

Other grants in Orleans County include:

  • The Erie Canal Family Concert on June 23 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. Discover a treasure trove of songs and stories that washed ashore with the travelers of “Clinton’s Ditch.” The concert is designed to entertain and engage, and features a variety of stringed and other musical instruments from canal days.
  • Erie Canal Bicentennial Building Bricks Event organized by the Village of Medina Tourism Committee. The event will be Sept. 20-21 at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. Participants will create canal-themed boats, bridges, and landmarks using LEGO bricks, while competing for awards based on age and creativity. Open to all ages and abilities.
  • Erie Canal Arts & Craft Festival led by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council from Sept. 26-28 at Medina, Albion and Holley. The event will be a vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit along the canal. It will feature over 400 artisan vendors, a theatre & car showcase, a headline concert with The Voice’s Ddendyl Hoyt, and festive boat parade.

In nearby Brockport, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform as part of a bicentennial celebration on July 8 at the SUNY Brockport Special Events Recreation Center. The RPO will perform folk music celebrating the village’s unique sense of place and rich canal heritage.

Also in Brockport, the Town of Clarkson was awarded funding for Sans Souci Park Improvements. Clarkson will replace portions of the boat launch with a new ADA-accessible boat dock and install bike racks and a universally accessible park playground.

The grants announced today include 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.

The grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $979,087 in additional support, according to the Heritage Corridor.

“After 200 years of continuous operation, the Canalway wouldn’t be what it is without the communities and organizations along its 500-plus miles,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “This program offers us an opportunity to give back by supporting public events and needed infrastructure improvements that together make the Canal corridor an even more exciting place to live in and visit.”

Events ranging from large festivals to community celebrations and tours. Infrastructure and amenity grants will fund public park improvements, kayak rental kiosks, educational exhibits, and signage that will enhance the visitor experience for years to come, the Heritage Corridor said.

“We are thrilled to support so many municipalities and community organizations working to improve the NYS Canal System for visitors and residents,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Events generate millions of dollars annually in economic impact for canal communities.”