By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

In the next step toward developing and building replica canals in the Canalside footprint, representatives of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. will meet with the Buffalo Planning Board.

The board will get an official look at plans to develop a series of canals and pedestrian bridges that are central to the Canalside project. Many will be on the site of the former and now demolished Memorial Auditorium.

"This is the next step," said Tom Dee, president of Erie Canal Harbor Development. "Everyone wants to see us move ahead with the canals, but the city needs to review our plans first."

Bids for the canal work and bridges are due later this month, Dee said. The development corporation's board is expected to review the bids in December or January and award contracts by the end of January.

Work is expected to start this winter.

Dee said the network of canals and pedestrian bridges running from the Central Wharf site to Washington Street should be completed by next fall.