New York State Canal System Set To Begin 2019 Navigation Season

The New York State Canal System is set to begin operations for the 2019 navigation season this week.

That follows two consecutive years of increased boat traffic on the Canal.

Tolls have been waived on recreational vessels through 2021 to encourage more boaters to get on the 524-mile system.

A portion of the Canal System will open on May 17 at 7 a.m., including the Erie Canal, from Locks E-2 in Waterford to E-8 in Scotia, and from Lock 28A in Lyons to Lock 35 in Lockport, as well as the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.

The Erie Canal from locks E-8 in Scotia to E-22 in Rome, and from Lock E-24 in Baldwinsville to Lock E-27 in Lyons, as well as the Oswego and Champlain canals, will have their openings postponed indefinitely due to high water from heavy rain and snow melt.

"Safety is always our top priority on the canals and we need to ensure water conditions do not pose a hazard for boaters as well as for canal employees," said Brian Stratton, Canal Corporation director. "We know people are eager to get out on the water and we'll make sure that happens as soon as conditions allow."

The navigation season will run through October 16th.