Port Credit, Ontario

Port Credit (pop. 10,260 - 2001 Census) is found at the mouth of the Credit River on the north shore of Lake Ontario, within the city of Mississauga. Port Credit's boundaries are the Canadian National Railway tracks (where the Lakeshore West GO Transit trains run) to the north, Seneca Street and the western edge of the Adamson Estate to the east and Godfrey's Lane and the townhome complex located on the west side of Shawnmarr Road to the west. [1]

History

The name "Port Credit" came from its roots as a trading post where goods were traded or bought on credit. The earliest reference is on a map drawn in 1757 by La Broquerie at Fort Frontenac, a fort built by the French at the mouth of the Cataraqui River, the site of the city of Kingston.The story of Port Credit is told in the book, "Port Credit, A Glimpse of Other Days" by Verna Mae Weeks, self published.

The heart of Port Credit is its harbour at the mouth of the Credit River. Once a working fishing port and a regional trading centre for grain and other agricultural products, the Port Credit Harbour has seen many roles in the community.

The first permanent structure to be built in the village was the Government Inn (1798-1861), once located on the east bank of the River. Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe had ordered construction of the Inn to serve as a way station for travelers by land and lake, and it was leased to a succession of residents until its destruction by fire. The village plan was laid out in 1834 and for several years, Port Credit was a thriving harbor community. It acquired the status of "police village" in 1909, town status in 1961.

The port was supplanted as a trading centre for shipping by the coming of the railway, but it has always changed with the times. Later in the 19th century, it became known for its stonehooking [2]trade. For years, a unique craft called a "stonehooker" plied the waters of Lake Ontario, near t he shore, collecting stones for use in local building trades. Other industries such as the St. Lawrence Starch Works (1889-1989) [3] and the Port Credit Brick Yard (1891-1927) provided employment for many local residents. In 1932 an oil refinery was built on the old brick yard site and operated by a succession of operators culminating in its' purchase by a division of Texaco who operated it until its closing in 1985, when Texaco opened a new much larger facilty at Nanticoke on Lake Erie. [4] The only remnant is the gas station on the south west corner of Lakeshore and Mississuaga Roads. Even the Texaco name is gone as Esso purchased all the Canadian assets of Texaco in 1989.

Starting in the 20th century, particularly after the paving of the Lakeshore Highway in 1915, Port Credit had become an attractive location for business, travelers and people wishing to leave the city of Toronto in summer.

Port Credit did not amalgamate with its neighbouring settlements in southern Peel County when the Town of Mississauga was created from the former Toronto Township in 1968. Port Credit maintained its independence until the City of Mississauga was incorporated in 1974.

Today the harbour has been redeveloped into a marina on the east bank and a charter fishing centre and public boat launch facility on the west bank under the lighthouse. Formerly the home of the Port Credit Yacht Club, it is now the heart of a tourist and recreation centre. Port Credit Harbour Marina is the largest public marina in the region. The RIDGETOWN (launched June 24, 1905 as WILLIAM E. COREY, a Lake Bulk freighter) has been a signature structure of Port Credit. Since June 21, 1974, when the she was loaded with stone and, with her cabins and stack still in place, sunk as a breakwater for the Port Credit Harbour. She remains on guard there today.

The tallest structure in Port Credit used to be a 320 foot tall smokestack at the St Lawrence Starch plant which has since been demolished. The felling of the stack drew a very large crowd numbering in the hundreds. Some feel the stack falling was the beginning of the corporization of Port Credit. The status as prime Port Credit landmark for the boaters on Lake Ontario has been taken by apartment and condominium buildings.

Tourism

With the closing of the St Lawrence Starch Plant in 1990, Port Credit has evolved from an industrial centre into a hub for commerce and tourism.

Port Credit is commonly referred to as Mississauga's "Village on the Lake" along Lake Ontario. The area hosts several festivals and events, notably:

• Waterfront Festival which occurs at the end of June
• In the Water Boat Show in August.
• Southside Shuffle, a Blues and Jazz festival in September

News of activities and events is now available on the net.

Port Credit has numerous shops and restaurants lining Lakeshore Road, in addition to lakeside parks, family neighbourhoods, condominiums and apartments. The majority of the residences are within walking distance of the Port Credit (GO Station) just north of the intersection of Lakeshore and Hurontario Street. This transportation hub of Southern Mississauga, linking both the city's bus system and GO Transit, is a busy place for rush-hour commuters during the weekday peak hours.

Notable Persons

Port Credit was the birthplace or home of many accomplished people, including;

• Anthony Adamson architect, educator, descendant of the Adamson family
• Winnie Roach Leuszler (first Canadian to cross the English Channel)',
• professional ice hockey player Matt Stajan,
• notorious convicted criminal, Karla Homolka,
• Actor Christian Potenza.
• Actor Kyle Schmid.
• Professional Boxer Dave Hilton Jr.
• Olympic bobsledder Michael Young

External links

• portcredit.ca - Mississauga's Web Site on the Lake - Community Web Site
• Port Credit - Mississauga's Village on the Lake - Port Credit Business Association Web Site
• Southside Shuffle - Blues and Jazz festival held every September

Coordinates: 43.550663° N 79.586334° W

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