Established in 1989, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to developing the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area in Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.
Our focus is on development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, connector trails, and adjacent public spaces, all of which support a healthy and active ecosystem rich in culture and recreation.
The Canalway Coalition also facilitates diverse programming, including bicycling events, walking programs, canoeing on Summit Lake and fishing derbies along the banks of the Ohio & Erie Canal. These programs serve to connect our communities to the Canalway, educating on the impact of the Ohio & Erie Canal as a development asset in the mid-1800s, and how the impact can still be felt as a recreational asset today.
Our Mission
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) shall stimulate public interest and support for the protection, preservation, development and enhancement of the historical, natural and recreational resources along the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
The OECC shall encourage local, regional and nationwide recognition of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area by:
- Coordinating and representing the interests of the citizens, corporate community and government agencies in Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
- Working toward establishing a continuous physical link along or near the planned Canalway.
- Encouraging and assisting the development of compatible economic ventures throughout the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
- Developing strong working relationships with partners to preserve and interpret the natural, recreational and historic resources throughout the Canalway.
- Incorporating the needs of the local community into the Canalway plan through meetings with government and business leaders to enhance the quality of life along the Canalway.
- Promoting and developing educational programs which interpret the natural, historical and recreational resources along the Canalway.
Learn more about our organization and receive regular updates by subscribing to our Towpath Times email newsletter.
We can't do this work alone. As a non-profit, we work with community, government and corporate business leaders on development projects throughout the National Heritage Area. We have created collaborative relationships with elected officials, community leaders, park districts, local businesses, and volunteers. We work closely with these partners to develop trail plans, encourage community engagement, and maintain the Towpath Trail. Read more about our work in our Annual Report below, or support us through membership to receive future Annual Reports and Silver Ribbon Newsletters straight to your mailbox.
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition celebrated 35 years as an organization in 2024-2025. Over 35 years, we've made great strides in preserving the heritage of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, conserving and stewarding our natural spaces, and developing the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail as a multi-use trail for residents and visitors to enjoy.
To celebrate, we've undergone an assessment, reorganization and revamp of our retention policy for our 35+ years of institutional records. Through a partnership with The University of Akron Archives and grant funds from the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration) we've made great progress in updating our retention policy and making our records accessible to our staff and the public.
Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area
Designated in 1996, the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is a federally-declared region that celebrates the history, culture, natural resources, and recreational opportunities along the first 110 miles of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, which helped Ohio - and our nation - grow.
Explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway
For the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area economic impact report, click here.
Canalway Partners
The Canalway Coalition works closely with our sister organization, Canalway Partners, which focuses on development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, connections, and adjacent spaces in Cuyahoga County. They take the lead in strategic decision-making, grant writing, and community outreach in the northern region of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.