Living in Port Credit
Port Credit is Mississauga’s most recognizable and popular neighbourhood. This is not surprising given its prime waterfront location, main street shopping village, recreational amenities, and the Go station. Port Credit has been undergoing a revitalization of its waterfront for some time now and this has attracted a large amount of real estate development. There are no shortage of people who want to live in a safe vibrant waterfront community.
Port Credit has both a residents association and a business improvement association. Port Credit has a number of small identifiable nooks or hoods. Some of these include: Cranberry Cove, Credit Drive, Indian Village and Upper Village. There is also the Harbour and Heritage districts. Port Credit is just minutes from the City of Toronto along Lakeshore Road West. One of Port credit’s claims to fame is its status as the salmon capital of Ontario. The annual Great Ontario Salmon Derby is North America’s largest fresh-water fishing derby.
History of Port Credit
Since time immemorial Port Credit’s envious location situated on the banks of the Credit River at the mouth of Lake Ontario have made it an ideal place for settlement. The Mississauga Indians were the first to settle here. By 1720 the french had established a trading post in this spot. In 1805 this area became crown land but it was the harbour that spurred growth. The Port Credit Harbour Company founded in 1834 turned Port Credit into a busy port and shipping centre which thrived up until the early 1900s.
Port Credit earned town status in 1961 and later amalgamated with the City of Mississauga in 1974. The present day lighthouse in Marina Park was built in 1991 and pays homage to earlier lighthouses that once shone brightly on this former fishing and shipping village. Today, recreation has replaced industry in Port Credit harbour but the water and the lighthouse and the boats are a reminder of its past.
Homes in Port Credit
The Port Credit waterfront embraces many new urbanism characteristics with walkability and connectivity at the core together with mixed use development, quality architecture and access to publicly owned greenspace, which in this case would be a pedestrian walkway along the waterfront. The new townhomes and condominium building along the waterfront blend in nicely together and appeal to a wide range of families and lifestyles.
Port Credit includes pockets of heritage homes with Tudor and Arts and Crafts features. There are also many charming brick bungalows that have traditionally been popular as starter homes. However,due to their large lots, the bungalows have become popular with builders seeking to build a new custom designed home.
Lifestyle in Port Credit
The Port Credit waterfront is considered among the most vibrant in Ontario. It was voted number one in the Greater Toronto Area by a panel of 135 judges including architects, designers and urban affairs writers from across the country deciding the best public spaces in Canada. Port Credit boasts over 400 retail shops, boutiques, and services. There are also many excellent dining and entertainment venues especially along the waterfront.
Recreation in Port Credit
Port Credit Memorial Park is a wonderful strolling park on the banks of the Credit River and directly across the street from Lake Ontario. The Port Credit Library is adjacent to this park. The Port Credit ice arena is located just east of Memorial Park on Stavebank Road.
Marina Park is a popular destination for recreational boaters. You can charter a fishing boat here that will guide you to some excellent fishing for Salmon and Trout on Lake Ontario. The Credit River that spills into Lake Ontario is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boating. The Poert Credit Yacht Club is located at Lakefront Promenade Park.
Arts in Port Credit
Former Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey’s idea to pay tribute to Port Credit’s musical heritage is captured in the painted cross-walks at Lakeshore Road East and Highway #10 (Hurontario Street). The Mississauga Music Walk of fame is located in Port Credit Memorial Park with inductees honoured with a star on the walking path behind the Port Credit Library. The first four inductees were “Musical greats Oscar Peterson, Gil Moore, Ronnie Hawkins and Krisztina Szabo.
Transportation in Port Credit
The Port Credit Go Station located at 30 Queen St. E. is a train and bus station. It is the first stop west of Toronto on the Lakeshore West line train service.