The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce believes that the Erie Canal is a vital asset to this area. It’s cultural, historic, recreational, and economic benefits are an integral part of what makes Orleans County a unique and desirable place to work and live. The Chamber supports Canal-based promotion and development community cooperative initiatives that are appropriate for Orleans County, as well as efforts to increase tourism and community awareness and stewardship of the natural, recreational, and heritage resources of the historic Erie Canal Region.

We encourage cooperation between the NYS Canal Corporation and our local agriculture community to guarantee that they will not be charged a fee for water usage (siphon fee) with regard to agricultural related purposes.

The Chamber also encourages the NYS Canal Corporation to extend the Canal season to support our local fishing and tourism industries.