The monarch migration this year was later and sparser than in years past, so I was happy to see these butterflies in some numbers on September 24.
My timeline for monarchs migrating in Mississauga is indelibly set as the 11th of September, as on that date in 2001, in the midst of morning news and disbelief, the cosmos in the garden were covered with monarchs: Beauty amidst horror.
And so, each year in early September, I keep watch for the monarchs. In the intervening years, cold weather and loss of habitat in their Mexico wintering grounds decimated much of the monarch population, and I look hopefully each year for their numbers to increase.
Monarchs in Mississauga Port Credit Ontario
On my way to the Port Credit Farmers Market on Saturday, September 24 (coincidentally the same day as the Great Ontario Shoreline Cleanup), I saw monarchs mobbing the purple flowers of the Butterfly bushes near the Credit River at Memorial Park. I didn't have my camera with me, so shopping done, I returned home to fetch it.
Monarch Butterfly on Butterfly Bush
I took a few photos and a short video (posted below) on my way to help a friend who was one of the shoreline cleanup leaders at Memorial Park/ Credit River.
Monarch Butterflies ~ Banks of the Credit River, Looking North West
The City of Mississauga department that oversees the parks in this part of Port Credit have planted a number of butterfly bushes on either side of Lakeshore Road at the Credit River. As well, they've planted lots of Brown-Eyed Susans, another great monarch favourite.
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup ~ Port Credit Ontario Memorial Park
A perfect fall day to be out in the parks, with cleanup crew making their way around fisherman hoping for salmon in the annual salmon run on the Credit River. Upon seeing the cleanup crew, several of the fisherman joined in, picking up trash and recyclables, and adding them to the bags. Several families out for a walk stopped to thank the cleanup crew for their hard work, and to say how much it was appreciated.
Interesting to see the various categories of trash, windblown or human tossed, and the densities of both. Tim Horton's coffee cups were by far the most common item, and had me wondering if their corporate or local staff could be persuaded to sponsor their own cleanups, or donate/sponsor additional trash cans.
Next up were liquor bottles, concentrated past the Memorial Park gazebo, where summertime festivals take over the stages. I'm just saying. No connection proven, but a startling number of '26ers' were found.
Also problematic for people, pets and birds are discarded fishing line. One of the boys helping with the cleanup found one such entangled mess that still had a three-barb hook attached. Or rather, it found him, as it embedded itself in the sole of his shoe.
[A nearby salmon fisherman removed the hook from the line, and noted that the hook was much too large for Credit River fishing.]
Other items recovered include a broken folding chair, a still-in-pretty-good-shape collapsible canvas chair in carry bag, a large, used paint roller, a soccer ball (slightly dented), the odd beer bottle, and pop cans. Oh! and myriad cigarette butts and plastic bags!
Mouth of the Credit River at Lake Ontario
This is why we clean up our shoreline: The natural and enhanced beauty of this part of Mississauga is a treasure worth preserving, not only for those who live or visit here today, this month or this year, but for generations to come.
Another group scheduled to cleanup the Saddington Park shoreline (out of view to the right in photo) likely would have found similar trash, with the added filip of trash from boats.
Indeed, golf balls from the (we assume, as it's nearest) Mississauga Golf Club regularly find their way several kilometers westward along the currents of the Credit and Lake Ontario to wash ashore at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden. As many as 125 golf balls have been recovered at a time at BRG.
Two weeks left in the Great Ontario Salmon Derby 2011! Here are some pictures taken at the Port Credit weigh station operating for the duration of the derby: July 9 to August 27, 2011.Update: See video at bottom of post of GOSD fish-off start Sept 17.
Port Credit Mississauga Marina Boat Launch Access
Enter the Port Credit marina boat launch from Front Street South, the first entrance right at the landmark lighthouse on Lakeshore Road West (west side of Credit River). Note there are no traffic lights at Front Street.
The boat launch is at the south end of the lot, near the exit. Center lanes are set aside for staging only, and once you've launch your boat, you can exit the lot and park behind the marina lot.
Port Credit Weigh Pay Station ~ Charter Fishing Boat Dock
Along the west side of the Credit River south of Lakeshore Road West, you'll see the charter fishing boat dock. The Great Ontario Salmon Derby weigh Station is located in the small brown cottage at the south end next to the fish cleaning station. (Washrooms are located under the Lighthouse.)
Port Credit Weigh Station Boat Launch Fees
The Great Ontario Salmon Derby affects all boaters (NOT canoes, kayaks, seadoos, etc) using the Port Credit marina boat launch facilities: For the duration of the Derby (July 9 to August 27), a launch fee of $10 is in effect. The seasonal launch rate is $70. This launch fee also includes parking in the lot behind the weigh station.
If you think you will be using the Port Credit boat launch more than 7 times over the next two weeks, then get the seasonal pass. Once the derby is over, the boat launch fee is no longer charged.
Port Credit Marina Weigh Station Fish Cleaning Facilities
Good fish cleaning facilities are located next to the Port Credit weigh station just up from the boat launch area.
Coho Salmon Port Credit Marina Mississauga Ontario
Though I cannot be certain, by checking with the fish identification map below, I believe these are Coho salmon, though they might be Chinook. They are a beautiful silver color with a strip of steel gray on their backs, and have deep red flesh. As of today, salmon are being caught mainly in deep waters in Lake Ontario; in this area, it's about 4 miles off Port Credit.
Credit River Lake Ontario Salmon Identification Chart
Make note of the salmon identification chart posted near the weigh station. Valid fishing license and Ontario Outdoors cards are usually required, though charter fishing boat companies will arrange for one-day licenses. See the Ministry of Natural Resources MNR site for complete information.
Port Credit Missisauga Ontario Boat Launch Ramps
Here's a closer look at the boat launch ramp at Port Credit. The weigh station and the fish cleaning station are located to the right of this view.
MNR Posts Hotline Phone Numbers for Poaching, Tagged Fish Info
Take a moment to read the posted signs at the marina, and be aware that Peel Regional Police Marine Unit and MNR staff monitor compliance on a regular basis. Additionally, at the entrance to Saddington Park off Front Street, the Credit River Anglers Association (CRAA) posted a sign alerting fishermen to Lake Sturgeon issues.
Muskies Muskellunge Identification Chart
Also posted at the Port Credit weigh station is a muskie (muskellunge) identification chart. Some pike were being caught earlier in the season as were carp, but salmon fishing is the big draw in this area.
Great Ontario Salmon Derby Salmon Weights Chart
The Port Credit weigh station posts this chart showing salmon weights and location caught for the entire Great Ontario Salmon Derby to date. Staff today noted that the largest salmon so far today weighed in at just over 26 pounds, no where near record size.
I see the picnic tables stacked in Saddington Park, so I suspect the fish-off for prize winners is this weekend, and again to be held at Saddington Park in Port Credit. The GOSD site has one graphic box that says the date, (All prizes are awarded on awards day, September 17, 2011") but no location.
CHAMPIONSHIP FISH-OFF* September 17, 2011 at Credit Village Marina,
City of Mississauga 7:00 a.m. - 12 o’clock
noon. The 70 prize winners in the Great Ontario Salmon Derby
will participate in a four hour fishing derby. Prizes for catching the
four
largest salmon. Following the Derby will be a luncheon at
which $5,000 in prizes will be awarded. First prize: $2,000, Second
prize: $1,500, Third prize: $1,000, Fourth prize: $500.
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.
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.
Canada Day Fireworks, Events July 1 2013
The schedule for 2013 is basically the same as in previous years, with Grand Marshalls Peel Regional Police Chief, Jennifer Evans, and Chuck Jackson.
The 'Paint the Town Red' site has details. For fireworks parking info see this post.
See you there!
Fireworks mark the finale of the Canada Day celebrations in Port Credit (Mississauga) Ontario on July 1, 2011, but the fun starts long before that!
Port Credit starts 'Painting the Town Red' with the Canada Day Parade at 11 a.m.
And to 'Make It Right', the Grand Marshals for the parade are Mike Holmes, host of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection, and CityTV reporter Francis D'Souza.
Miss Canada 2010, Bridget Nickerson, and Miss Canada 2011 and Miss International Woman hopefuls will take part in the parade, then 'meet and greet' at Memorial Park. The contestants are all cute as buttons, and will be in Port Credit all week leading up to the Miss Canada Pageant.
At 1 p.m. there's the giant Happy Birthday Canada cake cutting ceremony, the Port Credit Legion on Front Street South is hosting a BBQ, and there'll be music everywhere!
Does Port Credit know how to throw a party??!! You bet!
The Canada Day party goes on all day, until the Fireworks display show at 10:15 p.m.
Fireworks show usually starts when the sky is the darkest, about 10:20 p.m. The official time is 10:15 p.m. A few years ago, the show started earlier because rain was moving in from Oakville. That upset a lot of people who figured they show up last minute and missed them. portcreditbia
Here are some pictures and a short video from Canada Day 2010 in Port Credit. Each year, this event gets better! Kudos to the sponsors and volunteers.
Paint the Town Red Sign at Godfreys Lane Port Credit ON
Coming along Lakeshore Road West, from the west (Clarkson, Lorne Park), when you see this large red and white Paint the Town Red sign, you are only a few blocks from Memorial Park, the hub of the celebrations.
Look for parking on side streets west of the river / lighthouse to avoid the crush of traffic. (I like the Saddington Park parking area, at the end of Mississauga Road South.) Lakeshore Road will be closed from Stavebank to Hurontario (10:00 – 12:00 pm) and from Hurontario to Seneca (10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) for the parade and cake cutting ceremony.
Elvis and Cool Car Port Credit Canada Day 2010 Parade
Here are two of the dozens of participants in Paint The Town Red 2010. 'Elvis' is easy to spot, but I missed the driver/ sponsor of the car. The parade is set to start at 11 a.m. at Stavebank Road at Lakeshore, then head east along Lakeshore past Hurontario (Hwy 10) to Seneca Avenue. See Canada Day 2010 pics, info.
Pancake Breakfast Memorial Park Canada Day
In 2010, to mark Port Credit's 175 birthday, a pancake breakfast was served at Memorial Park gazebo. This year, the only way to get your pancake breakfast is to volunteer to help Paint The Town Red -- contact pc-volunteer AT bell DOT net if you can help set up, tear down, carry a banner, etc.
Canada Day Theme Clothing Port Credit Ontario
Port Credit becomes a sea of red and white on Canada Day, from clothing to hats to flags to the Giant Cake and even our Port Credit Lighthouse (home of the BIA). This couple is walking along the path that goes under Lakeshore Road from Snug Harbour, Marina area to Memorial Park.
Tea Vendor at Marketplace Memorial Park Port Credit
Memorial Park is the hub of the action, with a main stage, smaller stages, a market area, and a playground, behind the newly renovated Port Credit Library. And you don't need a car to get to Port Credit: You can take the GO Train from Toronto or Hamilton, and Mississauga Transit (MiWay) has 'Buy One, Get One Free' on July 1, 2011 and students Grades 1 - 8 ride free when accompanied by a fare paying passenger.
Fireworks Finale Port Credit Canada Day
Not the best of shots, without a tripod, but I will post this picture anyhow as it shows the traffic along Front Street and Lakeshore, and the brightly lit landmark Lighthouse. Memorial Park is to the right rear of the lighthouse, and the dark area is mostly Credit River. The fireworks are set off at Memorial Park. Stake out your prime viewing area early; up the hill near the Arena is a good spot.
Sit and eat: Over a dozen of Port Credit's finest places to wine and dine will be marked with provincial flags for A Taste of Canada: look for the flags of the provinces and check out A Taste of Nova Scotia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, B.C. Quebec, Yukon, and PEI!
Have a look at the Paint the Town Red site for details, and consider volunteering: Call Beatrice at (905) 599-2156 if you can help.
But do plan to make it an all-day event in Port Credit this Canada Day. It's a lot of fun, and a great party.
Summer in Port Credit (Mississauga) Ontario is brimming with lots of fun activities and events. Some are one-time festivals, and others are open all summer long. Here's a list of a few things to do in June and July in Port Credit.
Dragon Boat Races this weekend (June 11, 12) at the Canoe and Kayak Regatta 9am-4pm on the Credit River. Great spot to watch is from Memorial Park.
Brueckner Rhododendron Garden
Stop by Brueckner Rhododendron Garden this week for peak blooming times for rhodos and azaleas. If you miss this seasonal show, not to worry: All summer long and into the fall, you can stop and smell the roses, hug a tree or admire a comely hydrangea and lots of wildflowers, too. More info, map at BRG Blog.
The Mississauga Waterfront Festival 2011 is June 17, 18, 19. Most of the concert activities are centered in Memorial Park, shown in the above photo to the right of the Credit River, and on the north side of Lakeshore Road. Concerts and some shows require paid admission, but there's lots to see for free.
The kids have a great time at this Port Credit annual event, especially at the playground and midway next to the Port Credit Library. The library was renovated and expanded over the winter, and is well worth a visit while you are here during opening hours. Here's my blog post for information about MWF in 2010 and see the MWF site for a list of performers, etc appearing this year.
Port Credit Outdoor Art Show
The annual Port Credit Outdoor Art Show sets up this year on July 15-17 at the Credit Village Marina, south side of Lakeshore Road and east side of the Credit River /bridge. Here are my photos from last year, with some of the exhibitors. Again, it costs nothing to come by and look, but this event attracts talented artists and artisans from a large area, and is well worth a visit.
Paint the Town Red ~ Canada Day in Port Credit
Canada Day celebrations in Port Credit have to be one of the best in the country, though I'll concede the capital, Ottawa, has a pretty good one, too :-)
Port Credit is one of the places to 'paint the town red' and watch the Canada Day Parade, and fireworks at dusk. See Canada Day 2010 photos, info.
Port Credit Bollywood Flash Mob
The Bollywood Flash Mob in Port Credit is over and done -- this event took place yesterday (June 8, 2011) afternoon. But it was so much fun, I wanted to share a picture, and a short video I took. While the Bollywood Flash Mobs are done, the event they were promoting continues: The IIFA International Indian Film Academy Awards events run until June 26.
But Bollywood lives on at these Port Credit restaurants serving 'Bollylicious' specials until June 11:
There are lots more events going on in Port Credit this summer and you don't need to break the bank. Most events are free and family oriented. I'll post more events for August and into September as the summer progresses.
This year Spring is very slow in showing itself here in southern Ontario. We've seen a few determined robins, and a few dozen migrating trumpeter swans that stopped at Port Credit on their way north.
A few valiant (foolhardy?) spring bulbs were spotted, working their way through the frozen soil. But March 2011 is one of the chilliest in years, and I, for one, am more than ready for warm weather.
Saddington Park Mississauga ON Ice on Breakwater
Look at the ice on the rocks at Saddington Park! This morning I woke up to minus 10C (14F) temperatures, and this admittedly pretty ice covering the breakwater along the Credit River.
Sunrise Lights Up Ice-covered Trees Port Credit ON
The sunrise turned the ice-covered trees along the Credit River wonderful golden color. The day-long snow storm earlier this week had stirred up Lake Ontario, and sent huge waves rolling in to shore and up the river. Where waves hit the breakwater, 20-foot sprays flew into the air, and onto the shoreline trees and rocks.
Sunlight on Ice Credit River
As cold as it was, it didn't deter a few fishermen from casting their lines into the river. They didn't stay long, perhaps an hour, and they didn't catch anything that I could see except perhaps a chill. But out of the wind, and with a late March sun shining on you, you don't feel the cold. Spring skiing should be fabulous north of Toronto this year.
Long Shot of Credit River Lake Ontario Saddington Park
Here's a picture of the river at Saddington and Lake Ontario. The area in the middle left is the subject of the close ups of the ice on the rocks and trees shown above. I can't remember having snow on the ground and staying for a week or more this late in the year. Sure, I've seen it snow in Toronto in mid May, but that is very rare.
Super Moon in Mississauga March 2011
The 'super moon' rise over Lake Ontario on March 18 (it would be full the following night) looked the same to me as any full moon. But even if the moon was closer to Earth by a few thousand miles, it wouldn't be obvious to the naked eye. Pretty, but we are spoiled with gorgeous full moons over the night time lake.
Canada Geese Credit River Ontario ~ Sunrise Preen
After taking pictures of the ice and the rocks, I noticed two Canada geese preening themselves on the river below, partly hidden from view by the winter-bare shrubs. When the springtime leaves finally appear, this whole section of the riverbank will be entirely blocked from my view.
Canada Goose Foot Prints in Snow
As the day wore on, I saw a goose standing in a snowy field near Saddington Park, his footprints and those of his peers making paths in the snow.
Snowdrops without Snow - Port Credit ON Spring Blooms
What a difference a week makes: Last week, as spring approached, the snow had mostly melted and I spotted this hardy clump of snowdrops at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden. With the below freezing temps and the snow and wind of the past few days, I can only hope the snowdrops survived the chill.
On a walk through Port Credit today, I looked for a small garden where I'd seen daffodils and crocuses seriously thinking of opening their buds. Today, they were up to their buds in snow and ice. Let's hope they are hardy enough to survive this unseasonable cold spell.
20 Artisans, 8 Studios, Free Tour ~ Fun Day + Christmas, Personal Shopping Opportunity
South Mississauga area artisans came to the Port Credit Farmers Market yesterday with a sampling of one-of-a kind crafts to be featured at the upcoming Artisan Studio Tour taking place the weekend of Oct 23, 24, 2010. An incredible 20 professional artisans living and working in the Port Credit Mineola area will showcase their fine crafting in eight working studios.
This juried artisan studio tour is a great opportunity to meet the artisans who variously work with clay, wood, metal, textiles and glass to create pottery, knives, wall art, sculptures knitwear, jewellery and handbags.
Here are some pictures, posted in no particular order, taken at the Farmers Market to give a sample of the wide range of functional art created by our talented local artisans. Click on image to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page.
Bill Thoms ~ Knitwear
Josie Goodfellow ~ Felted Handbags
George Christou ~ Metalworker
Adam Beales ~ Potter
Gillian Sych ~ Ceramist
Robin Hollingdrake ~ Jewellery
Kit Mahood ~ Weaver
Bill Barkhouse ~ Woodcarver
Jim Kinnie ~ Jewellery
Marlyn Rollauder ~ Weaver
Bea Harris ~ Textile Artist
John Dorrell ~ Knifemaker
Note: The blade on this desk knife / letter opener has such a high shine that it reflects nearby objects.
Artists not mentioned above include Emma Gerard, glass artist; Noelle Hamlyn, handbags; Conniemarie Howard, metalsmith; Ron McCardell, penmaker; Marie Payne, dyer/weaver; Caryl Richmond, felter/flameworker; Sue Riley, mosaics; and Wendy Vervoort, potter.
For more information about the tour, click on the map below to enlarge, or visit their website at Artisan Studio Tour:
This is a great opportunity to meet these talented artisans who live and work in and around Port Credit, Ontario.
