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 southcentral area of the city of Mississauga. Port Credit's boundaries are the Canadian National Railway tracks (where the Lakeshore West GO 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.
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. A lighthouse was built in 1882 to serve the sailors on Lake Ontario. It served until 1918 and remained standing until destroyed by fire in 1936.
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 travellers 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 harbour community. It acquired the status of "police village" in 1909, town status in 1961.
The Credit River was an impediment for land travel along the lake. Roads were often privately
built, the earliest being made simply by putting logs across the road to prevent the narrow wheeled carts and buggies from sinking into the mud. Early bridges were hard to imagine. A succession of bridges were built, becoming more robust bridges as the village grew in importance. 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, 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.
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