Port Credit Mississauga Snapshots : Boats, Chopper, Lake Ontario, Credit River Summer in Ontario Canada

Summer in Port Credit Mississauga (Ontario, Canada): Here are some pictures of boats, a helicopter, the full moon and men on a raft along the Lake Ontario waterfront near the mouth of the Credit River. Something is always happening in Port Credit!

TRCA Electro Fishing Boat Credit River

 Just after sunset one evening, I noticed the Toronto Region Conservation Authority staff on the electrofishing boat, taking samples near the mouth of the Credit River off Saddington Park in Mississauga. I took a short video of this (to me at least) very interesting process. See Electrofishing video.

Credit River - Port Credit Harbour - Snug Harbour Restaurant

 The full moon was just rising over Lake Ontario when I was crossing the Credit River foot bridge at the close of the annual Port Credit Art Show. I took this photo using the Vivid setting on my camera (Canon SX30 IS).

To the left are the lights of Snug Harbour restaurant and boats docked in Port Credit Marina. To the right are the deep lake charter fishing boats at their moorings on the west side of the Credit River, just south of the landmark lighthouse.

Men on a Raft - Credit River off Saddington Park Mississauga

 Now I have absolutely no clue as to why these men were sitting on lawn chairs on a raft, nor do I have any idea as to why there is a sofa of sorts on one end. Furthermore, I have no idea whether or not this form of boating on Lake Ontario or the Credit River is legal. If you know the answers to any of the above,  please let me know.

Forces Griffon Bell 412 Helicopter

 A few days ago, this helicopter was flying back and forth for about 3 hours along the Lake Ontario shoreline; this is the best photo I could get. The bright yellow and red colors set this chopper apart from the usual commuter helicopters seen in the area, as did the flight pattern: Back and forth from around Oakville in the west to Etobicoke in the east. It flew mainly offshore, but a few times it went south towards Niagara Falls.

I took this picture to send to a friend who knows his helicopters: "That's a Forces Griffin Bell 412 used by Canadian military and Search and Rescue. Google it."

Peel Regional Police Boat Marine Unit Port Credit Mississauga

 On the first rainy day in weeks, winds whipped up onshore waves and whitecaps. I noticed the Peel Police, boat blue light flashing, coming from the east heading just past Port Credit harbor. When the boat turned and cut speed just at Saddington Park, I grabbed my camera, took this photo and some video of them rescuing some canoers. The waves kept moving the police boat out of my view behind the trees. 

Dark Clouds - Front Moving Across Lake Ontario

 Early one morning, I saw one of the most unusual cloud formations over Lake Ontario I have ever seen, a long, dense and well-defined line of clouds rolling into Port Credit. This appeared on a day when rain was forecast (though never occurred). The boat in the middle of the picture is the Ridgetown, a sunken laker that's now a breakwater in Port Credit harbor.

Sunrise Lake Ontario at Port Credit

 A day or so later, this gorgeous sunrise colored the morning skies over Lake Ontario.

TRCA Boat at new Buoy Lake Ontario at Port Credit.

 I took this photo so I could zoom in close enough to see this boat near the new buoy offshore Port Credit one misty morning. When I downloaded the picture, I could see it was a Toronto Region Conservation Authority boat.

Snug Harbour Restaurant Port Credit Ontario

 Here's the view of the Port Credit lighthouse, west end of the Lakeshore Road bridge over the Credit River. I took this picture from inside Snug Harbour Restaurant at sunset earlier in the year, when there are no boats in the marina to hog the view.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Port Credit Mississauga

A few blocks west of the Credit River on Lakeshore Road West, the flower gardens are in full bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden. The rhodos are done blooming until next April or so, but the annuals, perennials, wildflowers and hydrangeas are at their peak. See BRG blog for pictures, map, info.

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August in Port Credit means it's time for Buskerfest 6, this year taking place the weekend of August 19 - 21, 2011. See photos from Buskerfest 5.

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Farmers Market Port Credit Opens Bollywood-Style Saturday June 4

The Port Credit Farmers Market kicks off the 2011 season with a Bollywood-style bang this Saturday, June 4, as the market opening date coincides with the City of Mississauga Bollywood in the City events for the International Indian Film Festival. There'll be music, dancing and good times, and great market stalls, rain or shine!

Here are some pictures from Farmers Market 2010. See map and links at the bottom of this page.

Port Credit BIA  Booth at Farmers Market

 Port Credit BIA is at the market bright and early to sell their gear and field questions from visitors. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack, and enjoy the entertainment.

Booths at Port Credit Farmers Market

Summer squash, zucchini and local cheeses at the market. Specific vendors may vary from week to week, but most produce stalls are there each week. As well as fruits and vegetables, you might find a stall selling teas or locally grown exotic mushrooms. Look for nursery plants and trees, and the fabulous breads from Port Credit's La Villa Bakery.

Artisan Studio Tour Port Credit

 The Artisan Studio Tour promotion group was one of several community groups who set up shop last year at the Farmers Market. (Details of  2010 Artisan Studio tour.) See the BIA farm market site for vendor applications.

Paella Demonstration at the Market Port Credit

 Last year, occasional cooking demonstrations were a new feature at the Market, like this paella  demonstration by Joe Ambrus. With the market open rain or shine, on chillier days a hot grill is even more inviting! Look for more cooking demos and BBQs in 2011.

Honey of a Deal from The Country Bee

 The Country Bee honey products were a regular feature at the market last year, but try as I might, I cannot find a contact for them. The honeys were sourced from a variety of flowers and offered for sale at a good price.

Red and Yellow Onions ~ Fall Veggies at Farmers Market

 The offerings at the market vary according to what's in season but one thing is certain: the colors are gorgeous! Everything looks so good it's really challenging NOT to over-buy, unless you plan to make large batches of tomato-based sauces. And keep in mind that peppers and blueberries are very easy to freeze to enjoy all winter long.

Bright Orange Squash Light Up the Port Credit Market

 Late summer brings the large squash out to the market; Earlier in the season, look for the faster-ripening summer squashes. Last year, leeks were a great buy, and so temptingly fresh you just had to get some for a feast of Potato and Leek soup.

Beefsteak Tomatoes in Season

 Beefsteak tomatoes bring their gorgeous red color to the market. These field ripened beauties tasted the way fresh tomatoes are supposed to! Slice tomatoes, drizzle with a bit of balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with fresh basil, add mozzarella cheese cubes or slices, and Voila! Appetizer and salad course all in one. Add some crusty bread and good salami, and call it dinner!

Bollywood in the Village to Kick off Farmers Market 2011

Look for the Bollywood fun this Saturday, and get your passport for all the events this month. More at City of Mississauga Bollywood in the City and International Indian Film Festival (info).

Port Credit Farmers Market

• When is it? Every Saturday from June 4  to October 15, from 7 a.m. to  1 p.m.)
• Where is it? Elmwood and Lakeshore Road East, east of Hurontario Street (LCBO lot). See the Port Credit BIA site for more info or to inquire about vendors.

The early bird gets the best selection, but there's lots for latecomers (around noon), too. Bring the family, bring your friends, and make a morning of it!

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View Farmers Market Port Credit Ontario in a larger map

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Saddington Park Mississauga: Boats, Buoy, Bikes, Man in Tree

Coast Guard boats, new buoy Lake Ontario, outboard canoe fishing, bike tricks Credit River breakwater, man in a tree:  What are Things I Saw Last Week

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CCGS Griffon Lake Ontario at Port Credit Saddington Park

The Canadian Coast Guard was in town, so to speak, off Port Credit harbour at Saddington Park. I'd seen this ship a day earlier, but couldn't get a photo due to fog and rain. Using this photo, I could enlarge enough to read the name Griffon on the rear side. And looking through the CCG site, I found its home port is Prescott, in eastern Ontario.

CCGS Griffon at Saddington Park Mississauga

The Griffon is a 'High Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessel – Light Icebreaker'. Since this has been one of the coldest Aprils in ages, albeit with no ice that needed breaking, it was nice to see this harbinger of spring. Daffodils and tulips are nice, too, but for boat-mad Port Credit, boats in the water herald the summer boating season.

Small Canadian Coast Guard Vessel in Credit River at Lake Ontario

Though I can make out the serial number of this smaller Canadian Coast Guard boat alongside the pier on the Credit River east bank at Port Credit, I couldn't find a name or description online. See details for Griffon at Canadian Coast Guard site.

New Buoy Lake Ontario off Credit River entrance Saddington Park

As for what the Coast Guard was doing, I might have a clue. See the light near the top left of the photo? (Click to enlarge, then click Back Button to return to this page). About this time, I noticed a small light out in Lake Ontario that hadn't been there before. Checking the CCG site, under Aids to Navigation, I found this mission statement:

To manage, maintain, and provide aids to navigation in Canadian waters in order to facilitate safe and expeditious movement of maritime traffic to protect the marine and freshwater environment, maintain maritime safety and to facilitate maritime commerce and ocean development . . .  through to floating aids (small, medium and large buoys.

Sunlight Highlights Buoy Lake Ontario at Port Credit

At night, the light is small when seen from shore, but it's very bright. Daytime, it's almost impossible to pick out the buoy from shore, even when you know where it should be. Just at sunset one night, I noticed the sunlight reflecting off the buoy, and took this photo.

Lake Ontario Buoy off Saddington Park Mississauga

This buoy can also be seen from land just after dawn, when east light makes it possible to see it above the water. I tried to estimate how far from shore this buoy was set, but I'm not the best at guessing distances over water. It's perhaps a kilometer off shore. The only contact I could find for the Canadian Coast Guard is by telephone, so I'll keep checking.

Fishermen Launch Outboard Canoe Saddington Park

Now, I don't know about you, but when I see anyone trying to board a canoe from shore, especially one to which they intend to attach an outboard motor and load their fishing gear, I have to stop and watch. Well, first I grab the camera, then I watch. They don't call canoes 'tippy' for no good reason-)

Sternback Canoe with Outboard Motor Credit River Fishing

Back in the day, we had a sternback canoe that we used to go fishing. But it never occurred to us to climb down rocks to connect the outboard motor. Hat's off to these fellows, for they did a perfect job and were soon motoring off into Lake Ontario.

Before: Bike Trick on Breakwater Saddington Park East Side

Saddington Park is popular with young fellows who practice manouevers on their bikes. Sometimes they go up and off the picnic tables but they make my heart stop when they  go up and down the rocks of the breakwater around Saddington's perimeter.

After: Bike Trick on Breakwater Saddington Park East Side

This young fellow made it down, as I knew he would. I'd watched him go up and down and across these large rocks several times. But each time, I do hold my breath, thinking how cold the water, how rough the rocks.

Man in Tree Saddington Park Mississauga

And for no apparent reason, this man was up a tree at Saddington Park near the Mississauga Road South parking lot at Lake Street. Since this climbing took place on a holiday weekend, and he had no saws, etc. I am pretty sure he wasn't with the City forestry department on an emergency call. Passersby stopped to watch and chat. Near as I could tell, he was just practicing climbing trees. The red in the photo is a rope.

Also seen but not photographed were the first sailboats, small fishing boats, canoes and kayaks of the season, as well as two hardy chaps on SeaDos, and several tankers heading across Lake Ontario; feisty Trumpeter Swans defending their mates, black cormorants fishing, and dozens of Red Wing Blackbirds back for the season. Now let's hope the weather warms up!

Related blog post  Boats Mississauga from last Spring.

Snow Melting Machines - Taking Care of Business at Parking Lot Mississauga Library Port Credit Ontario

Update December 31, 2009 - see photo bottom of page!
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Walking into Port Credit village in Mississauga (Ontario, Canada), it was hard to miss the large snow and ice mountain outside the library. Even harder to miss were the noisy, large, yellow snow melting machine and the front end loader that was busy feeding it large bites of snow and ice.

Snow Melting Machine and Truck

This photo shows the view from beside Hook's restaurant on Lakeshore Road, on the east side of the Credit River and Port Credit lighthouse.

Closer View : Snow Melting Machine Port Credit ON

The snow and ice are fed into the top of the unit, then melted, and the water runs down the sewer.

Close Up View - Snow Melter Machine

Making a mini lake in Mississauga: According to the company's web site (link at bottom for info), melting snow is more cost efficient than hauling it to a central dumping site, then waiting for Spring!.

Outside Mississauga Library at Port Credit

This photo shows the view from the library drive, looking roughly north from Lakeshore Road. A few years ago, I'd watched a smaller truck snow melter unit on a Toronto street. These more mobile machines drive slowly along the curb, the front of the unit sucking up snow banks, melting snow, then spitting out hot water.

Snow and Ice Pile beside library - Mississauga Canada

This is a picture of snow that's as far from a Winter Wonderland as possible! This dirty, gritty, frozen solid snow mountain looked set to stay. I took the photos above at around 2 p.m.

Night time snow Melter - Men Working, Still!

The snow melter and loader were still clearing snow and ice that night at 8 p.m. Though a little hard to see in this photo, the pile of snow has been reduced by roughly a third, maybe more. Just after I took the picture, the truck shifted the melter to the area that had now been cleared of ice. I have to wonder how late they kept working!

New Year's Eve Day - Still Working in Port Credit

I went into Port Credit at noon today, and the snow melter is still working! About 48 hours from when I first saw it. The snow and ice pile is nearly gone. The temp was about minus 10C (14 F) with gusty winds. The cold snap had more firmly frozen the snow mountain, and the loader was breaking chunks up with the shovel bucket. I took a short video of the snow melter in operation.

See my video of this machine in operation at YouTube
For information on how these types of ice and snow melters work, see this site.
For pictures of pretty snow, see this post from last January.
For more winter in Canada pictures and tips, see snow in Canada page.

What a difference a year makes!!

Lakeshore Road at Port Credit Library

 This picture, above, shows the same location December 31, 2009 at 2 p.m. Instead of a huge mountain of snow being melted, the parking lot is actually being used for parking. A light rain was falling, temp was about 4C (39 F). My kind of winter but I do sympathize with the snow removal contractors who are temporarily out of work.

Fall Colors Thanksgiving Port Credit Ontario

Perfect weather -- more like summer than fall -- on this Thanksgiving weekend here in Port Credit (Mississauga) Ontario. And since we were dog-sitting Heinz the Rottweiler puppy for the day, we simply had to take him for a walk along the Waterfront Trail.

Fall color Rhododendron Gardens Park

The trees in the Gardens are just starting to take on their Fall colors, here along Lake Ontario. The color changes show best in bright sunshine, and just after noon, there was ample.

New views of Lake Ontario

Thanks to the weed-pulling and brush cutting efforts of Rhododendron Gardens volunteers, notably David the chief weed-whacker, new views of Lake Ontario have been opened up from the Waterfront Trail. Along the top of the bank, new daylily plantings promise a good show next summer.

Waterfront Trail Trees

One lone red orange tree commands attention among the lush greenery.

Fall's glory along Lake Ontario

In a few more days, barring any rain and wind storms, most of the trees should be wearing their fall colors. See how quickly the weather and leaves can change: Thursday's pictures Port Credit.

Heinz the Rottweiler gets his first look at Lake Ontario waves

While he loves the water, to the point of frolicking with his water dish, Heinz (named for the varieties he represents in the canine world) wasn't too sure what the noise and waves were all about. He managed to get his feet and nose wet, but then scampered off to explore the underbrush.

I shot a short (19 second) video of Heinz romping in the creek. (See YouTube if video not displaying below)

Volunteers Needed Rhododendron Gardens Mississauga Ontario to Dead Head Spent Rhodo Blossoms

Volunteers are needed this summer (now!) at Mississauga's Rhododendron Gardens. If you are in the area, or biking or hiking the Waterfront Trail through Port Credit, take a few minutes to stop at the Gardens and lend a hand with dead heading the spent rhododendron blooms.

Rhododendron in Full Bloom

This picture above of a blooming rhodo is the Before picture -- the glorious show of blooms that draws hundreds of visitors each spring to the garden park on the lakeshore in Mississauga.

Spent Rhododendron flower - the After Picture

When the bloom is gone, what's left needs to be carefully hand picked from the stem, taking care not to disturb the emerging stalk that will hold the blooms for the following summer. This lets the plant put all its energy into new growth, rather than into seed production. The paler green shoots bracketing the spent blossom in the middle show how much growth has already taken place on this particular plant. The longer the shoot, the trickier it is to get into the center to pinch out the spent blossom.

After the pinch - all neat and tidy and ready to grow!

The photo above shows the pruned area on a rhodo that has yet to send up new growth around the spent blossom (hand courtesy of Master Gardener Para). This is tedious but somewhat enjoyable work, standing out in the open air, mere steps from Lake Ontario, amidst birdsong and butterflies, and occasionally, a nice chat with another volunteer.

Rhododendron Gardens in Full Bloom

And while you prune and pinch, it helps to know that you are in some small but important way setting the stage for the next year's glorious Spring show at the Rhododendron Gardens. And knowing how much pleasure the gardens give to all visitors, especially the bridal parties who make this display their living backdrop for wedding photos.

If you are able to help simply show up on a weekday and ask to to speak to Para, who will give instructions. On weekends, look for other volunteers busy dead heading rhodos in the bushes.

As well other volunteers are busy on other projects in the Gardens, reports David Culham:

The Waterfront Trail construction is underway. The central rose bed is progressing slowly and with a great deal of sweat. Rob has donated all the roses but also the great amount of time in planning out the colour, scent, and the timeliness of bloom. Our expectation is that the roses will add to the colour throughout the summer and help define a Garden and not a Park.

Ferns have been donated and planted along the Tecumseh Creek by volunteers. A mornings dig for wild flowers (May Apple) succeeded and the transplanting occurred by volunteers. Weeding and shrub trimming is underway by volunteers. Para and staff are undertaking further Rhodo plantings at the moment especially in places with previous loses.

New Rose Garden

Here's the start of the new rose garden, where Rob is working long hours to lay out and plant about 700 rose bushes.

UPDATE: Thanks to a large group of spent bloom pickers, much of the dead heading is now done. BUT -- there's always some weeding help needed, so do drop by and pull a few!

More pictures of Rhododendron Gardens see this post

Port Credit Ontario Lunch for Swans, Geese

A very chilly Good Friday in lovely downtown Port Credit, with the sun shining weakly, and a north wind nipping at ears and fingers! But these birds along the west bank of the Credit River at Lake Ontario didn't seem to mind.
The birds were too intent on eating the grain someone had put out for them to bother much with people, but even so, I kept one eye on the view finder and the other one on the view, as geese can give you quite a good bite if they want to. My grandmother used her geese on the farm as watch dogs. Turkeys make good watch dogs, too, come to think of it.

This long necked swan was warning off the interloper -- for a moment, I thought they might come to wing-blows. With the temperatures in Port Credit (which is often warmer in winter than more northerly areas of Mississauga) hovering just above freezing during the day, and dipping below zero at night, the birds might be thinking it's time to start this year's family.


I hope not, as Spring is not watching the calendar this year, and is not likely to appear for at least another month. For while this type of weather perfectly suits maple syrup production (photos), it's definitely not suitable for cygnets!