PORT CREDIT

LOCATED

Port Credit is a neighbourhood in the south-central part of the City of Mississauga, centered around the mouth of the Credit River on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

Its main intersection is Hurontario Street & Lakeshore Road, about 0.6km east of the river.

Directly south of Lorne Park and Mineola.

North or Lake Ontario, South of the CN Railway, East of Seneca Avenue and the Western edge of the Adamson Estate, and West of Godfrey's Lane and the Townhouse Complex on the West Side of Shawnmarr Road.

COMMUNITY

From its humble beginnings as a trading post over 300 years ago to its status as the west GTA's premier waterfront community, Port Credit continues to be one of the most well-known & desirable communities to live in outside of the downtown Toronto core.

Port Credit is often referred to as GTA's "Hidden Gem" ... a quaint village on the lake that is surrounded by Trails; Waterfront Dining & exquisite Scenery.

Port Credit started out as an independent town & became a Mississauga community only in the 1970's. Known for Landmarks & a rich heritage, there are new developments happening in what is known as a "redefined" Port Credit.

Whether Living or Visiting, it is easy to get caught up in the energy & vibrance of Port Credit no matter what time of year.

This family-focused community at the mouth of the Credit River that stretches along the Lake Ontario shores has exceptional Schools; a Stunning Waterfront & all of the necessities you could possibly need at your doorstep.

No wonder many House-Hunters have this area on the TOP of their list.

A replica of Port Credit's lighthouse was built by the Lions Club of Credit Valley atop a sewage pumping station; it is the home of the local BIA & Tourist Bureau & the logo for many local organizations.

Many homes in Port Credit display incredible character and we're built in the 1940's. Much like other areas in Mississauga, many owners have employed high-end architects and builders to not only expand in size but raise the architectural bar of their home ... increasing the size & value of their home & neighborhood.

PORT CREDIT REAL ESTATE

Beautiful & diverse housing options can be found in Port Credit. Whether you prefer a cozy 1950's Bungalow near the Lake, an uber modern Custom Built 3,000+ sq.ft. home, an Executive Townhome, or a High-Rise Condo with a clear view of Lake Ontario ... Port Credit is home to them all & many more choices.

Homes in Port Credit are a mix of historic century homes, pre-war homes, & post-war suburban style houses, condominiums & town homes. There is truly a mix of options in this Village. Though you will see some modern Custom Builds, most homes are the original design.

Some homeowners are lucky enough to back directly onto Lake Ontario & have Riparian Rights.

Per square foot, this is probably the most expensive village in Mississauga, regardless of whether you are looking for a Condo Apartment or Detached Home.

Boutique Shops & Restaurants have recognized this fact & are opening up to serve the growing population moving into Port Credit to live in the newly constructed Luxury High Rise Buildings as well as the Luxury Town Homes.

Port Credit is a changing community with older "smaller" homes being renovated into Luxury Homes that offer an urban-family lifestyle that can't be beat as many Buyers' want to live in this community so close to the Lake & with so many conveniences.

Another trend in Port Credit is the buying of the small detached homes by Builders who are replacing them with "Monster" Luxury Homes. Port Credit was once a very modest town, with small lots & homes. Because of this, full demolitions & 4,000 sq.ft. reno's are not possible on most lots.

Most homes have kept their original charm but have been polished up with new finishes & beautiful landscaping. Living in Port Credit is an absolute dream for business professionals who are commuting to Toronto. The Port Credit GO can be just a few minutes' walk from your doorstop depending on where you live ... there are some mid-rise or high-rise towers plus detached homes near the GO Station.

Retirement: This is an amazing Village to retire in & keep your eyes on "The Shores of Port Credit" by Verve Senior Living ... consisting of Luxury Townhomes & Two Rental buildings, the amenities for retirees & seniors can't be beat.


Port Credit remains a desirable community, & Real Estate values have continued to reflect this.

LIVING IN PORT CREDIT

The main street that runs through town is Lakeshore Road (East & West) & this is where you'll find many great restaurants, cafes, & pubs. Then, you can wander around many local parks and trails surrounding the Credit River to see some of the most beautiful spaces in the GTA.

HISTORY

1700's

The location of Port Credit was in the 1700s, the land of the Mississauga Ojibwe band. The location became used as a meeting place between the band & white traders. The river was known to them as the Missinhe or "Trusting Creek". To the French & later the English the mouth was known as "Port Credit" & a trading post was established in 1720, where goods were traded or bought on credit. The earliest reference is on a map drawn in 1757 by La Broquerie.

1798 - 1861:

The first permanent structure built by the English at the site was the Government Inn (1798-1861), 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 travellers by land & lake ... it was leased to a succession of residents until its destruction by fire.

1805

In 1805, the Mississauga gave up much of the surrounding lands, but retained the Credit River, which they held in esteem as the favourite resort of their ancestors. After the War of 1812, the numbers of Mississauga dwindled & they gave up their lands except for a reserve at the mouth, believing the King would protect the land for them in the face of settler encroachment.[1]

1834

Outside the reserve, a village plan was laid out in 1834 & for several years, Port Credit was a thriving harbour community used by the natives and settlers jointly. Village lots were sold to settlers by the natives & the Port Credit Harbour Company, which developed the harbour, was jointly owned. The harbour was a working fishing port & a regional trading centre for grain & other agricultural products.

1882 - 1918

(Destroyed by Fire in 1936) A lighthouse was in use from 1882 to 1918 & remained standing until destroyed by fire in 1936.[2]

Lakeshore Road east of Hurontario Street

1840's

On the reserve a sawmill was set up & timber shipped by schooner to locations around the lake.[3] The Credit Mission was set up by Peter Jones to educate the natives & convert them to Christianity. However, by the late 1840s, the forest had been cleared & conditions on the reserve declined. Negotiations were started by the British to move the natives to a homeland near Owen Sound. When the location around Owen Sound was found unsuitable for farming, the Mississauga accepted an offer to move to the Six Nations reserve & left in 1847.[4]

1846

By 1846, the population was about 150. Large quantities of agricultural products were being shipped from the port, & vessels were being built here. Two steamers stopped here between Hamilton & Toronto. The community had two stores, two taverns, a Methodist chapel & a post office. A large area of 4600 acres beside the village was a First Nations Reserve with a chapel and a school.[5]

The port was supplanted as a trading centre for shipping by the coming of the railway. Later in the 19th century, it became known for its stone hooking trade.[6]

Late 1800's to 1900's

Other industries such as the St. Lawrence Starch Works (1889-1989)[7] the Port Credit Brick Yard (1891-1927) provided employment for many local residents.

Oil Refinery (from 1932 to 1985)

In 1932 L.B. Lloyd built an oil refinery 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 facility at Nanticoke on Lake Erie.[8][9]

The tallest structure in Port Credit used to be the 320-foot-tall (98 m) smokestack[10] at the St Lawrence Starch plant which has since been demolished.[11]

The stack falling marked the change of Port Credit into a residential area from the former industrial hub.

Scene of Port Credit marina with the lighthouse replica in the background

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

Don Rowing Club (1960)

In 1960 the Don Rowing Club moved to the banks of the Credit River.

Status Changes:

Port Credit acquired the status of:
- 1909 ... " police village" in 1909, and
- 1961 ... town status

1968:

The town 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.

1974

Port Credit maintained its independence until the City of Mississauga was incorporated in 1974.

Adamson Estate (1974)

The Adamson Estate, located near the eastern boundary of the neighbourhood, was purchased from the family of Agar Adamson by the Credit Valley Conservation Authority in 1975.

Marina ... Current Times:

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. 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 structure of Port Credit since June 21, 1974, when she was loaded with stone and, with her cabins and stack still in place, sunk as a breakwater for the Port Credit Harbour.

PARKS, RECREATION & TRAILS

Port Credit Arena

The Port Credit Arena is located at 40 Stavebank Road North & was constructed between September 10, 1958, and the official opening on October 4, 1959.

- Built for $360,000 (Canadian)
- 2nd Covered Arena in the current City of Mississauga
- 1st Public Arena built
- Oldest surviving Arena in the City of Mississauga
- Home of the Port Credit Storm Hockey Teams
- Sports & Activities include:

• Fitness
• Golf
• Leagues
• Personal Training
• Skating & Hockey
• Swimming
• Therapeutic
• Camps (Adventure; Creative; Learning; Sport; Swim;

Port Credit Library

Port Credit Library which is located at 20 Lakeshore Road East, sits beside the Credit River & a large public park. The Library was redeveloped as part of the Ontario Government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund beginning in 2009.

The Port Credit Library is currently CLOSED: (2021)
The closure is as a result of routine, structural monitoring of the building.

During a recent assessment, a few of the caissons or piers that support the building were found to have degraded due to exposure over a prolonged period of time.

The City made the decision to close the library to the public. At no time has public or employee safety been compromised.

How long will Port Credit Library be closed?
City staff will work with the consultant & Council to review options for the library & interim service opportunities. We will also be engaging with the community regarding next steps & timelines once we have more information on these options.

This work is expected to take several months to complete.

JC Saddington Park

It's one of the best spots in Mississauga to gather with larger groups & big families. There are picnic facilities that can be reserved for up to 75 people.


The paved path at JC Saddington Park is the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail ... also part of The Great Trail.


The Waterfront Trail winds through many Port Credit parks along Lake Ontario & continues through the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens.

Port Credit Memorial Park

Port Credit Memorial Park is a great place to visit for the whole family.

You'll find the Port Credit Library at the entrance of the park, followed by a loop path & a lovely gazebo. There's also a Playground, a Skate Park, & there's almost always an ice cream truck there, too.

Many festivals & events take place in Port Credit Memorial Park, like the:

- Mississauga Waterfront Festival,
- Mississauga VegFest,
- Southside Shuffle Jazz & Blues Festival,
- Port Credit Busker Fest.

For those of you who still play Pokemon Go, there are a ton of Pokestops at Port Credit Memorial Park! In the winter, the Credit River sometimes freezes. While this isn't a usual occurrence, lots of people shoveled the snow off the ice to create skating rinks to play hockey.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

The Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens are just on the outer western edge of Port Credit, a little on the outskirts of the main downtown strip. Don't let that deter you from visiting.

It's a quieter spot, but the scenery here is equally as beautiful as anywhere else (perhaps even more beautiful, depending on the time of year!).

The Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens is home to one of Canada's largest public collections of Rhododendrons.

Dr. Brueckner collected prized hybrid species of Rhododendrons, & he donated 800 flowering plants from his personal collection. His rare Rhododendrons appear in many gardens around the world, including England's Exbury Gardens.

Port Credit Marina

The Port Credit Marina is right in the heart of town - you can't miss it. You'll see the Port Credit Lighthouse & tons of boats docked in the harbour during the warmer seasons.

Some highlights around the marina are JJ Plaus Park, Snug Harbour Restaurant, & the lighthouse itself.

JJ Plaus Park & Snug Harbour Restaurant

JJ Plaus Park ...

JJ Plaus Park is another Port Credit Park with pretty views all around. There's a small park & a pathway that leads right to the edge of the water. If you visit on a summer weekend, there's a good chance that there will be playing guitar & singing along the path. Overall, there's just a positive atmosphere and good vibes all around.

Snug Harbour Restaurant ...

Snug Harbour is one of the most popular restaurants in Port Credit. It's got the most scenic waterfront views out of any restaurant in the area as it's the only restaurant right on Lake Ontario.

You can enjoy the best views from the restaurant's expansive patio.

Port Credit Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is the most photographed building in Mississauga, & it's one of the best parks in Mississauga for spectacular scenery of the Credit River.

The Port Credit Lighthouse is the most iconic building in town & also the most photographed structure. However, it isn't actually a historic site.

This lighthouse is a replica of the original one from the 1800s. Sadly, the original one separated from the mainland during a flood in 1908.

Years after it shut down, the lighthouse completely burned down.

In 1991, a replica of the original lighthouse was built to serve as a reminder of Port Credit's marine heritage.

TRANSPORTATION

Port Credit started as a shipping centre in 1834 with harbour improvements paid for by the Government. In 1855, a branch of the Great Western Railway was added.

Lakeshore Road:

Lakeshore Road, formerly Highway 2, began in 1892 in Toronto & was extended to Mimico on July 10, 1893. It arrived in Port Credit, first to Hurontario Street on December 24, 1905, & then to the Credit River, on November 19, 1906.

The Toronto-to-Hamilton highway was completed in 1917 & was Ontario's first concrete highway ... it was one of the longest such inter-city stretches in the world.

Lakeshore Road runs along the Lake giving great access between Port Credit & Toronto (to the East) or Burlington (to the West).

Railway ... Port Credit GO Station:

Over the years the railway has expanded to Three (3) tracks. Its prime importance to Port Credit is the GO Train service carrying residents to & from Toronto.

Many of the residents of Port Credit can enjoy a short walk to the Port Credit GO Train Station, just north of the intersection of Lakeshore & Hurontario Street.

Updates to Port Credit GO ... starting August 2020

Work to make Port Credit GO more accessible & safer began in August 2020 with upgrades to the east ramp, followed by repairs to the island platform in September & the installation of yellow tactile safety tiles on both platforms starting in October & November.


Construction of a new accessibility ramp on the west side of the south platform also began in the fall of 2020 and is still under construction. Metrolinx says the ramp, which is expected to be done later this spring, will offer customers a connection between the bus loop and the south platform.

"The elevator to the south platform was shut down at the beginning of 2021 for important upgrades and is expected to open this spring. Once the south platform elevator is back in service, upgrades to the island platform elevator will begin in the spring," said Metrolinx.

"These are important and necessary upgrades as the elevators are nearing the end of their lifespan. This work will result in the complete shutdown of the elevator on the island platform, which will make this platform inaccessible for customers with accessibility needs."


Similar elevator work has been completed at Oakville and Burlington GO stations, pictured here (Metrolinx photo)

HURONTARIO LRT STATION

The much talked about Hurontario LRT station, expected to begin operations in late 2024, will be located adjacent to the Port Credit GO & will provide connections to the Milton GO Line via Cooksville GO, Brampton Transit, MiWay and Square One.

"As cities expand, frequent and reliable transit will become increasingly important. The electric-powered Hurontario LRT is paving the way for increased connections, reducing traffic while also reducing carbon emissions."


A light rail vehicle moves through a tunnel, in this rendering of the Hurontario LRT. (Metrolinx image)

PORT CREDIT EVENTS:

Port Credit is commonly referred to as Mississauga's "Village on the Lake" along Lake Ontario & is a tourist area that is centered around the Port Credit lakeshore & Port Credit Marina.

Port Credit also hosts several festivals throughout the year, mostly in the summer months. On summer weekends, there's always something happening in town, whether it's a music/arts festival or an annual celebration.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Port Credit that you'll love.

June

- Waterfront Festival

• Three (3) day festival to celebrate the beginning of summer
• Live outdoor concerts, food trucks, entertainment, vendors, carnival rides, & family activities.

July

- Ribfest (typically mid July)
- Paint the Town Red Festival

• Canada Day (July 1st)
• Live Music; events for the kids; Food Trucks; Vendors; & Fireworks at night

August

- Busker Fest ... annual event

• Buskers travel from all over the world to perform, & most of them have very specific & unique talents
• Can wander from Busker to Busker, stopping to check out their performance
• Might see people performing crazy balancing Acts; Juggling Chainsaws; or Brething Fire.

- Port Credit In-Water Boat Show ... annual event

September

- Southside Shuffle ... 3-day Blues & Jazz festival.

• Founded in 1999 by Chuck Jackson.
• Includes the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame.

Misc:

- The Marina is located in the center of Port Credit & provides docking for ships up to 45' in length
- Port Credit Farmers Market

• Weekly Event, every Saturday from June to October (8 am to 1 pm)
• Buy fresh produce directly from the Farmer
• Also booths with other locally made products & a few with handmade products as well.

- Lakefront Promenade Marina is located Lakefront Promenade Park ... built in 1991. It offers amenities including Docking & Boating facilities as well as an outdoor eatery for convenience
- Alongside the protected harbor are 40 hectares of Public Land including a:

• Playground
• Splash Pads
• Boardwalks
• Barbecues
• Plus many other Amenities

- Port Credit & the War of 1812

• Port Credit now has scenic tours that include hearing the role of the Mississauga First Nation during the War of 1812 ... told by a veteran of the 2nd Regiment of the York Militia

- Waterfront Festival ... annual Music Festival

• Started off with only 7,000 visitors since its inception in 1998
• Quickly jumped to an average of over 50,000 visitors per year in 2013
• Attracts visitors across the GTA, Ontario & border cities in the United States
• Has received recognition as a top 100 festival in Ontario for 10 years to date
• Over 600 performers annually
• Event performers have included: Sam Roberts; Jann Arden; Tom Cochrane; Chantal Kreviazuk
• Aside from entertainment performances, the event includes educational programs focused on the topics of Endangered Species, Health & Wellness, & Conservation.

- Port Credit has over 225 kilometers of Scenic Walkways & Trails that accentuate the beauty of the district.

SHOP & DINE IN PORT CREDIT

Checking out the shops & the amazing restaurants is one of the best things to do in Port Credit.
There are awesome:

- Coffee shops,
- breweries,
- Boutiques
- Restaurants
- Misc: Cute Shops with Unique Gifts
... enjoy a nice stroll & explore this wonderful part of Mississauga.

Coffee Shops in Port Credit

You will find the usual Coffee Shops, but there are also independently owned Cafes with unique features.

Let's stroll now to see what Port Credit has to offer:

Archtop Café

Founded their name from the beloved Archtop guitar. Originally a music store & café located in Caledon, Ontario ... Archtop decided to expand the brand & build a café in Port Credit.

- Located at 109 Lakeshore Road East
- Offers "Great Coffee; Great Vinyl & Great Food" ... Freshly made:

• Roasted Coffee & delicious Café Fare
• Cakes, Cheesecakes, Pastries & Unique Ice Cream Desserts

- Features New & Used Vinyl Records
- Check it out on Facebook and/or their Website

Archtop has 2 locations on Lakeshore in Mississauga
- Original location with the record shop
- 2nd spot down the street ... where the old Second Cup used to be!

Back Road Coffee Roasters

Is a hidden gem! This café is tucked around a back side street located at 133 Queen Street East ... but check it out on Google Maps.

The owners are also "Brothers-in-Laws" have been riding motorcycles together since the moment they were old enough. Being riders & always meeting up at Coffee Shops, they could never find that perfect culture shop that lived in both worlds. Based on that they created it themselves.

Back Road Coffee Roasters combines the owners' interests in both Coffee & Motorcycles. You'll be able for find fantastic espresso beverages plus lots of Plant-Based Milk options. Check out "Back Road Coffee Roaster" on Facebook and/or their Website Be sure to check this one out!


Restaurants in Port Credit

Port Credit has so many amazing restaurants that it can be difficult to choose just one to visit.

On weekends, you can also catch live music at many restaurants in Port Credit.

Roc'n Docs has a rooftop patio & there's live music several times a week. Door Fiftyfive & Shore Grill & Grotto are two other spots in town where you'll be able to hear some local musical talent.

Papa Giuseppe's

Papa Giuseppe's is an Italian restaurant known for their stone oven pizzas. They've also got other classic Italian dishes, pasta, and even gelato. It's the next best thing to dining in Italy!

The Crooked Cue

The Crooked Cue in Port Credit has a spacious restaurant downstairs and a bunch of pool tables upstairs! You can dine in the restaurant (or outdoors on the front patio) and then rent pool tables by the hour afterwards. We've enjoyed pints and played pool plenty of times here.

The Pump House Grille Co

The Pump House Grille Co opened in Feb 2003 and quickly became a Port Credit favourite serving up famous classics with a sophisticated twist. Everything on the menu is done really well including steaks, sliders and fish & chips, but everybody knows that if you want the best wings in the city, you get them grilled and you get them here.

Dry Aged ... (DryAged.ca)

If you're looking to dine at home, we must mention an amazing shop to get steaks that will make your friends and family say WOW.

Dry Aged is a must visit if you're thinking of grilling - their counter is filled with incredible cuts. From store-made burgers and sausage to king cuts of your favourite steak.

Their beef has been hung for several weeks to allow the beef's natural enzymes to break down the muscle tissue, producing a gamier, heightened flavour & tender texture.

At the butcher counter you will find only hormone & antibiotic-free meats & free-range, air-chilled chicken. They serve a variety of premium meats, including Ontario lamb, Ontario white and red veal, Berkshire pork, & a range of game meats like boar, red deer and venison.

They also offer a number of organic products, including certified organic chicken & organic free-range eggs. This place is worth the drive to Port Credit if you don't have the luxury of living close by.

Indian Cuisine By The Lake

Indian Cuisine By The Lake is an awesome Indian restaurant in the middle of Port Credit. This is an authentic Indian restaurant with a casual relaxed dining atmosphere. They also happily cater to vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets.

Raw Aura

Raw Aura is one of the first vegan restaurants in Mississauga, and it's 100% plant-based, raw cuisine. Dining at a completely raw restaurant is a unique experience, and they get quite creative with the dishes.

Nourishmoi

Nourishmoi is one of the newest vegan restaurants in Port Credit. You'll find salads, bowls, sandwiches, burgers, and lots of other healthy options.

They also have an all-day breakfast, & the menu has loads of gluten-free options.

Green Press

Green Press is a family owned & operated food bar and organic cold pressed juicery.

They've got juice, smoothies, soups, salads, hot drinks, power bowls, wraps, breakfast jars, kombucha & healthy snacks.

Eva's Original Chimneys

Eva's Original Chimneys is famous for their chimney cake cones, just like the ones you'll find in Hungary or the Czech Republic!

There are several vegan flavors with plant-based ice cream.

Port Credit Breweries

In Port Credit, they are fortunate to have not one, but two breweries ... (one on the west side of town and the other on the east side):

- Old Credit Brewing Company
- Stonehooker Brewing Company

Old Credit Brewing Company is one of Ontario's first microbreweries, & they've been around since 1994. Their beer is delicious, & you can even buy it in these really big glass bottles. There isn't any place to enjoy the beer on site, but you can pick it up and enjoy it at home. (oldcreditbrewery.com)

Stonehooker Brewing Company is a newer craft brewery in town, and they've got several varieties - IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours - there's something for everyone. Stonehooker has a great patio out back with lots of picnic tables and there's even live music sometimes, too. You can bring their beer home or enjoy it on site. (stonehooker.com)

MOVING / BUYING / LEASING ... who do I call?

1. Your Real Estate Agent ... one with Knowledge of the Area & Professionalism who is a full-time dedicated Realtor "Selling Homes" and helping people "Buy Homes" ... Call YOUR Realtor Susan Lancaster at 416.573.2472 (Susan@LancasterLuxuryHomes.com) First (1st) for "RESULTS BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS"!

Contact YOUR Realtor, Susan Lancaster at 416.573.2472, for contacts such as:

- Handymen
- Lawyers
- Mortgage Brokers / Financial Institutional Contacts
- Movers
- Packing Services