Foreign visitors check out Canal Side

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some international visitors are getting a good look at Buffalo's waterfront as part of an event stretching across western New York.

Buffalo welcomed 200 people from 16 countries Tuesday who just love the history of the Erie Canal.

These folks are attending the World Canals Conference in Rochester. This field trip to Buffalo brought them to the Canal Side District, a work in progress. They are all canal buffs and some have been involved in similar projects back home. The theme of the conference is "Canals in the Community Setting." Many see see the potential of the waterfront project here in the queen city.

David Edwards-May, who hails from France, said, "I believe the way they're approaching development of the harbor district and all that is sensitive, and I'm sure well thought out, and it will work well for the city."

Yuan Wang, who comes from China, said, "We want to learn something from you to make our life much better, much (more) interesting, and local people can enjoy your unique heritage."

Canal Conference Chairman Tom Grasso has been is big booster of Buffalo's inner harbor development. He is head of the Canal Society in New York State and is generating a lot of interest across the globe.