LaBella Engineers to Share Insights at World Canals Conference 2025 in Buffalo, NY
Several members of LaBella’s Civil Engineering team will share their expertise at the World Canals Conference 2025, taking place in Buffalo, New York, from September 21 to 24, 2025.
The World Canals Conference brings together global experts and enthusiasts to share innovative practices in economic and community development, waterway management, tourism, and historic preservation along inland waterways. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the New York State Canal Corporation, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, Inland Waterways International, and Visit Buffalo Niagara will host the event.
On September 22nd at 4:30 p.m., Senior Civil Engineer Reuben Hull, PE, PMP, M.ASCE, will attend the screening of “Reflections on the Erie Canal,” presented by WMHT Public Media, the New York Power Authority, and the New York State Canal Corporation. Reuben is a featured contributor in this hour-long documentary, which explores the Erie Canal’s 200-year legacy and its lasting impact on New York State and beyond. The film highlights the canal’s role as an economic catalyst, a source of artistic inspiration, and a symbol of environmental resilience and revitalization.
On September 24th at 3:30 p.m., Recreation Development Specialist Michael Cocquyt, MBA, CPRP, will present “Historic Downtown Revitalization Through Canal Connectivity.” Drawing from real-world examples along the Erie Canal, Michael will demonstrate how communities have leveraged NYS Canals funding to enhance recreational infrastructure and drive placemaking, economic growth, and large-scale revitalization.