Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off the inaugural summer season at Canalside with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning. The $20 million project – a priority under Governor Cuomo's leadership – includes a comprehensive renovation of the canals, construction of three bridges and 22,000 square feet of towpaths surrounding the canals to reinforce the pedestrian experience and allow for future development as Canalside grows.

"At the beginning of the last century, Buffalo was known as the City of Light. Today we are declaring here at the opening of the Canals at Canalside that Buffalo is now the City of Fun,” said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. “Canalside itself attracts more than 1 million visitors each year, and through the availability of new recreational opportunities, downtown Buffalo is prime to become an entertainment haven for all to enjoy. Without the leadership of Governor Cuomo and his commitment to our city’s revitalization, none of this would be possible, and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment and follow through that has occurred over the last five years of his administration.”

This summer, the Canals at Canalside will offer a variety of exciting outdoor activities including:

• Paddle and peddle boats for rent by the hour
• Bicycles for rent sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, with access to Buffalo's Outer Harbor via the Queen City Bike Ferry, which runs out of the Commercial Slip at Canalside Monday through Friday from noon until 8 p.m. and on the weekends from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
• Paddle board yoga classes on select weekdays
• Foosball, dome hockey, shuffleboard and other tabletop games
• Remote control model sailboats for rent by the hour, offered by the same company that runs “Sail the Park” in New York City’s Central Park

Music will also fill the air during peak visitation hours, including:

• "Acoustic Sunsets" on Sundays
• "Battle of the Bands" on Friday evenings
• A DJ series and karaoke at The Blue Line

The Blue Line, an outdoor restaurant on the Lloyd Street Bridge, will be offering food, smoothies, fresh juices, soft serve ice cream and craft beer selections. Visitors will find chairs and umbrellas at the area where the blue line was located on the ice at the former Memorial Auditorium. These delicious offerings are all in addition to the fare that is served at The Dish at Canalside.

In addition, in celebration of the region's past, Buffalo History Tours will bring the rich history of the Buffalo canal system to life with humorous guided walks that include the Prohibition Pub Walk, Canal Stories, Scavenger Hunt, Murder Mystery and Officer O’Connor’s Vice Patrol. Due to high demand, visitors must reserve their spot on a tour at www.BuffaloHistoryTours.com. Tours run from June through August.

More information on the schedule of events, parking and updates can be found at http://www.canalsidebuffalo.com. Visitors can take the NFTA Metro Rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station stop; parking is available in adjacent parking ramps and lots.

The construction, operations and programming for The Canals at Canalside was funded by New York State, the New York Power Authority and National Grid. The project has generated hundreds of construction, operations and maintenance jobs.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia said, “People are drawn to water and this year we have a variety of new ways for visitors to enjoy The Canals at Canalside. Just recently Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation filled the canals for the first time. Their beauty and simplicity will be complimented by the sights and sounds of people actively enjoying the unique space. It will be a summer to remember at Canalside.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Prior to the 2008 opening of Canalside the idea of Buffalo as a waterfront destination was simply a dream many believed would never come to be. With each year that followed we have worked to help Canalside grow to include new activities, attractions, restaurants and private sector development. The new canals is the latest Canalside feature proving that Buffalo is well on its way to having the unique and exciting waterfront of our dreams.”

New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “It is a privilege to be a part of this wonderful effort to revitalize Canalside and the Buffalo waterfront. The Power Authority has partnered with Governor Cuomo and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation to successfully transform this area into one of the region’s most exciting destinations.”

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications Gretchen Fierle said, “The time was right to bring Blue Bikes to Canalside. With the tremendous activity taking place here in our backyard, it is our mission as the region’s largest health plan to catalyze a quicker, easier, and healthier transportation option when navigating and exploring the waterfront and beyond.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, “The development and expanding recreational amenities at Canalside - in such a short period of time - is truly remarkable. I really look forward to ‘The Canals at Canalside’ and another great summer season of activities and festivals that celebrate Buffalo’s rich diversity and natural resources. I’m grateful for my continued partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. By working together, our shared vision and commitment to Buffalo and its vibrant waterfront will continue to deliver even more work-and-play opportunities to city residents.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Canalside’s summer season offers the perfect reason to come downtown and spend some time exploring the hottest summer site in Erie County. Canalside will be alive with music, art, food, and fun for all ages throughout the summer months, with lots to experience and enjoy. Whether you are coming for a full day or just a few hours, bring some family and friends and see for yourself what everyone is talking about at Canalside.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said, “The impact The Ice at Canalside had during its first winter in Buffalo was tremendous, and now that we’ve finally thawed out, we’re unveiling even more incentives for folks looking to take advantage of our city’s burgeoning waterfront. With Canalside welcoming nearly 1 million people every year, New York State not only recognizes the importance of attracting these visitors, but of ensuring they return. I look forward to taking my children to see the Canals, and I’m proud that they’re able to grow up in a vibrant and thriving Buffalo.”

Assemblyman Sean Ryan said "I encourage everyone to head down to Canalside this summer to experience the growing number of attractions along Buffalo's waterfront. With the new Queen City Bike Ferry up and running, everything our waterfront has to offer will be easily accessible for all visitors to Canalside. This summer will offer even more events and attractions than last year, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone take advantage of the continued excitement at Canalside."

About Canalside

Canalside is a growing regional destination and entertainment district, situated on 21 historic acres along downtown Buffalo’s emerging waterfront on the Buffalo River. Canalside earns its name from its storied past, when the Erie Canal Harbor was built in 1825 as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Until five years ago, the land was barren and inaccessible, but the area has been reclaimed by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and developed with millions of dollars in public and private investment. With more than 1,000 yearly events and nearly 1 million annual visitors, Canalside is fast becoming the go-to place for in- and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax.