Canoes, Rowers, Fishermen, Waterfront Trail, Fall Foliage ~ Fabulous Fall Port Credit on Lake Ontario

Such a fabulous, warm and sunny Fall day, it seemed everyone in Port Credit headed to the waterfront to walk the trail, to fish in Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Credit River, to canoe, cycle, row and kayak, and marvel at the last of the gorgeous colours of the fall leaves.

Here are a few pictures to show you how to celebrate the gift of a summer day in late Fall! Click on a picture to enlarge, then click the Back button to return to this page.

Snug Harbour Restaurant Port Credit

A bright red canoe heads down river past Snug Harbour restaurant (across from the landmark lighthouse) towards Lake Ontario.

Fisherman Lake Ontario Port Credit

One of many fishermen along the lower Credit River this fall afternoon, with a view of the CN Tower and Toronto skyline.

Driftwood Shore Lake Ontario Mississauga

Afternoon sun made this large piece of driftwood gleam, and the still Lake Ontario waters are testament to the calm winds. With no waves to stir the water, we had a rare glimpse of the lake's sandy bottom.

Rower Lake Ontario Port Credit

A man on a mission: this lone rower was skimming along so quickly west towards Hamilton, I had to move fast to snap this picture.

Walkers Along Mississauga Ontario Waterfront Trail

This stretch of the Waterfront Trail passes between Lake Ontario and the PetroCanada lands, a rolling, twisting path that's popular with cyclists, roller bladers, walkers and runners. Several cyclists were towing babes in wagons.

Copper Beach in Fall - BRG

The Waterfront Trail passes through the BRG - Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens in west Port Credit. The copper beeches were particularly lovely this afternoon along the east garden at the Godfrey's Lane entrance.

Tamarack - Larch Fall Colours BRG

Across the Waterfront Trail from the stand of copper beech trees is this stand of tamaracks (AKA larch) in their yellow fall foliage. See also this post for mor larch/tamarack pictures.

Red Crab Apples - Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail

Fall in Ontario is all about colour this year, and these red crab apples certainly did their part! While areas north of the city of Toronto had wet snow showers this past week, in sunny lakefront Port Credit, we were treated to a warm summer day; Temperatures reached 17C (63F). Most people wore only a light sweater or jacket, and several men were wearing only Tshirts and shorts.

The weather forecast for the next few days calls for temperatures nearly this warm, so if you're in the Toronto - Mississauga - Oakville area, do make a point of going out for a walk. We'll be into winter in Canada soon enough!

Related: Paddling and Hiking in Ontario's Southern Shield Country book Amazon.com
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Port Credit Stavebank-Lakeshore Intersection Alternative Seems a Good One!

Update October 5 2009: Environmental Assessment completed per City of Mississauga letter to stakeholders. Project file report public review period Oct 01 to Oct 30 2009 at Port Credit library: 20 Lakeshore Road East of Credit River. Contact details bottom of original post.
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Finally! The proposed fix for the Port Credit (Ontario) intersection of Stavebank and Lakeshore Road in Mississauga! And I, for one (though there are many more), love it!

It seems to be the most workable suggestion for improving this confusing bottleneck that baffles locals and visitors alike.

Here's the graphic presented at a public information meeting last night at the Port Credit library.

From South: Alternative Intersection Stavebank-Lakeshore Road

The alternative to the current confusion presupposes the -- umm -- 'removal' of the present CIBC building on the south east corner. And this didn't seem to be an issue for anyone I spoke to last night. One long-time CIBC (Bank of Commerce) customer said he'd welcome the bank's relocation to a spot that afforded more parking spaces and easier access.

From North: Alternative Intersection Stavebank-Lakeshore Road

In this view, you are northeast of the intersection looking at the Post Office building on the southwest corner. While you are here, note the two-storey and one-storey section of the post office: The two-storey section may be designated a Heritage Mississauga site, but not until after the property (currently for sale by its Government of Canada owner) has been sold.

The newer, one-storey section I would happily see removed to open up the sight line to the marina, Credit River, Lake Ontario and Snug Harbour restaurant. (Trim the trees, too, City of Mississauga! Don't hide million-dollar views!)

Stavebank Road - Lakeshore Road CIBC Building

I took this photo standing on the north west corner, looking across to the CIBC on the southeast corner. The proposed realignment of Stavebank Road would have Stavebank southbound (through) lanes passing directly over the land now occupied by this building.

Stavebank Road - Lakeshore Road Canada Post Building

I stepped out onto Stavebank to take this view (right in front of the newly-larger Pump House Grille). The CIBC building is behind the green tree; the Waterside Inn is the multi-level building behind and above the CIBC. (Pity the Inn doesn't have a sign somewhere up there to ID it.)

What Happens Next? Stavebank-Lakeshore Road Intersection

City staff on hand for the presentation asked those present to fill in comment forms, and list any questions, issues, etc. that required a more detailed response. Allow about 30 days for them to reply to any issues, and another 30 days or so for final plans to be drawn. Then maybe another meeting, and hopefully work can begin.

If you missed this meeting, and would like more information, you have until Tuesday June 30, 2009 to contact either of two City of Mississauga staff (NB: Remove space before @ sign in emails):

Chris Tye 905-615-3200 X 5798 chris.tye @mississauga.ca
Abdul Shaikh 905-615-3200 X3734 abdul.shaikh @mississauga.ca

Backgrounder:
Whether you live in Port Credit, or just pass through on the Lakeshore from time to time, you'll likely have noticed how Lakeshore Road through traffic grinds to a halt when vehicles try to turn off Lakeshore on Stavebank Road -- either south towards the lake, Waterside, Snug Harbour, Park etc or north to the GO station, arena, library, churches etc.

And with Stavebank South and North off-set (ie a dog-leg intersection) and the crosswalks and traffic signals at odds with turning traffic, we are all amazed that there are not more serious accidents. A rep from TOPCA theorized that the accident level is not much higher chiefly due to the fact that motorists are so confused, they go 'HUH?' and slow down wondering where to go.

If you have any information or comments, please add them below.

Ontario Canada Snow Storm Port Credit Lakeshore and Shawnmarr

I took this picture the day before yesterday, at the Lakeshore Road and Shawnmarr Road intersection in Port Credit (Mississauga Ontario, Canada). Note: No Snow. At all.

Lakeshore and Shawnmarr roads Port Credit

Early this morning, the wind picked up and the snow started blowing.

Lakeshore and Shawnmarr roads Blowing Snow

I took this photo from almost the same location as the first one. (I couldn't tell where the path was under the snow.) By noon, this parking lot was snow covered, and the traffic lights barely visible. Cars driving along Lakeshore eastbound (toward the Port Credit lighthouse) had trouble getting up the hill.

Port Credit Townhouse -- Blowing Snow Makes Snow Drifts

I took this picture outside my front door to show the blowing snow on the rooftops. The winds were gusting up to 60 km per hour (37 mph), and the temperature was about minus 7 C (19 F). When there are high winds and low temps, there's a wind chill: How cold the temperature really feels. The wind chill effectively made the temperature minus 15 C (5 F).

Swans on Lake Ontario Shoreline - Winter Snow Storm

Too cold and windy a snowstorm for these swans, who seemed to be waiting out the storm along the shoreline. I walked through the new snow in Rhododendron Gardens and headed towards the lake to see if the wind was setting up waves, and how large.

Swans Lake Ontario in Winter

The still photos don't do the waves justice, and really, neither does the video. I had my little Canon Powershot A530, and though it's a good little camera and I do treat it roughly, it cannot film as well as a proper camcorder would.

But here you go, for what it's worth -- a Lake Ontario winter snowstorm in Mississauga. By the way, an hour and some minutes after I returned home, my face still has patches of bright red. That's the thing with a good wind chill -- you can get frostbite before you know it.

See Video here if not showing on page.


December 20 2008 - Wonder how the intersection of Shawnmarr and Lakeshore looked today?

Day After the Snow Storm

See more pictures from December 20 2008 - The sun makes it all gorgeous! The snow plows make it easy to get around :-)

Fall Colors Port Credit : Leaves, Lake, Rainbow Lake Ontario

Port Credit (Mississauga, Ontario) is having a really good Fall season: Some days are hot and sunny, some are rainy and blustery, and this past week, most days have been alternating between the two, several times a day. Brilliant sunshine and glorious sunsets simply beg you to take their picture. Here are a few random pics I've taken over the past week.

Port Credit Village Trees behind LCBO on Lakeshore Road

The best way to see thr colors is first hand, in person, as my valiant little Canon Digital cannot do the reds justice. (LCBO is the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, where one may purchase wines, beers etc. Or so I am told :-)

Rhododendron Gardens Park Lakeshore Road Mississauga

One afternoon, just as I'd finished working in the new Rose Garden in Rhododendron Gardens (we need something to show off once the rhodos are done blooming in June), the clouds parted briefly to set the golds and reds ablaze. Just as quickly, they took away the light.

Blustery Winds Make Waves Lake Ontario :: View of Toronto

I took this picture from the beach in the part of Rhodo Gardens at the end of Godfrey's Lane. Until a few days ago, I hadn't known that this park are was part of the main Rhodo Gardens, as it's separated from the main park area by a private residence.

Sunset Lake Ontario Rhododendron Gardens

The setting sun turned the waters of the Lake salmon-colored. I took this picture just before 7 p.m. on the weekend just past. The days are noticeably shorter now, and as I write this, it is dark at 7 p.m. This weekend the time will change back to EST (Sunday, November 2), and so it will be dark at 6 p.m. or a bit sooner.

Rainbow Over Lake Ontario October 27, 2008

East views towards Toronto: This rainbow is mirrored in Lake Ontario. Tonight, there were dozens of birds bobbing on the almost-still waters. Various types of gulls, a few Canada geese, and a wading bird or two. I must get out my Bird Book to find their names. I counted about 6 dozen in all in this small bay at Rhododendron Gardens beach, and wonder if it's migration time again.

Hazel McCallion Mayor of Mississauga at Rhododedron Gardens in Port Credit

Shortly after 9 a.m. today, Mayor Hazel McCallion came to visit Mississauga's Rhododendron Gardens in Port Credit, Ontario, to see for herself the new section of the Waterfront Trail that now passes through the Gardens. While the contractor still has work to do, the broad strokes are in place, and it's looking good, Vern!

Mayor McCallion, David Culham and Rose Garden Rob

'Rose Garden Rob' and former City of Mississauga councillor David Culham -- two of the many tireless volunteers who work alongside Mississauga Parks master gardener Para and staff -- show the mayor their plans for future flower beds. This summer, Rob designed, laid out and planted the new Rose Garden with some 600 rose bushes. While not much to look at this summer, the roses promise to be a fabulous summer sequel to the rhodos spring show.

Christine Brueckner, David Culham, Mayor Hazel at Brueckner Plaque

Christine Brueckner, daughter of the late Dr. Brueckner, whose rhodos now have a home in these Gardens, the mayor and Culham oblige local media with photos.

New Bridge for Waterfront Trail at Lake Ontario shoreline

Mayor McCallion walked with members of the Gardens committee to the site of the new bridge. Stone columns are in place; the new bridge should be installed soon. In this view, I am looking east to the new paved trail that joins Godfrey's Lane.

New Trail section Rhododendron Gardens

Coming north and west from the bridge above, the paved trail branches: The old section continues up the hill to the left; the new section veers to the right, along the small creek that cuts through the Gardens. At this spot, you are just a few steps from Lake Ontario. Park staff and volunteers have been busy clearing out overgrown underbrush and raising tree canopies in this area, offering vignette views of the waterfront.

Waterfront Trail at Shawnmarr and Lakeshore Roads

The heavy machinery moved out about a week ago, new sod has been laid, the tangle of old wild rose bushes and tree-choking wild grape vines that run along the creek to the left of the trail are being cleared out, and new light poles just need the light fixtures.

To see what it looked like a month ago, see this blog post.

Come have a look for yourself! Bring a picnic lunch and stay a while. Just be sure to make good use of the garbage and recycle bins, or you may find yourself being chastised by some of the locals.

Busker Festival on the Port Credit Lakeshore in Mississauga Ontario

• Update August 2011 Buskerfest 6 Port Credit ON August 19, 20 21.
• See also August 2010 Buskerfest 5 Pictures.

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• update: August 21, 22, 23, 2009
• BuskerFest 4 Aug 2009 Volunteers needed to run Information Tent at each of six Busker staging areas (see 2008 post below for locations). Volunteers may bring along a friend for company. Shifts are 3-4 hours beginning Friday 21 evening, Saturday 22 at 1:30 pm and 6pm, and Sunday 23 at 2pm. Contact Ellen Timms at info[at]portcredit.com Buskerfest times for general public are Friday 7-11 p.m., Saturday 2-11 p.m., and Sunday 2-7 p.m.
• Sidewalk Sale and Hours for Buskerfest 4 Aug 2009
• Port Credit shops will be celebrating Busker Fest 4 with a giant sidewalk sale Friday and Saturday, August 21, 22, with many stores open late Friday night.

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The 2008 Third edition of the Port Credit Busker Fest is on this weekend in Mississauga. There are four main performance areas along Lakeshore Road (locations graph at bottom). After days of rain, Saturday proved a perfect day for being outdoors, and being entertained by the various buskers.

Matt James featuring didgeridoos

Australian Matt James, seen here performing at Memorial Park, will also perform at Toronto's Busker Fest next weekend (August 21-24 See torontobuskerfest.com).

Kobbler Jay at Memorial Park

Still at Memorial Park along the Credit River, Kobbler Jay entertained a packed commons with various juggling tricks. In the above photo, he prepares to walk on glass shards in his bare feet, while juggling flaming torches. The Port Credit lighthouse is a good landmark if you're not sure just where it is located.

Sublimit at Village Square

Village Square is located on the south side of Lakeshore Road, west of Hurontario. Use TEN Restaurant and Wine Bar as a landmark. Sublimit (fellow in black hat and outfit) was juggling with help from an audience member. There are several patios here to stake your seat, or pull up a piece of the rolling lawns to see the Buskers here.

Dubbike at Memorial Park

Dubbike performs acrobatic style tricks on (what else?) his bike at Memorial Park. While many of his stunts bring to mind those performed by many teens a few years ago, when stunt bikes were all the rage, Dubbike's steady patter with the crowd makes his show particularly entertaining.

Performance Areas Sign : Elizabeth Street and Lakeshore

Elizabeth Street south of Lakeshore Road (No Frills corner) is closed as it becomes one of the four main performance areas shown in the picture. At the time I was here, stilt walkers were still setting up for their show.

The fourth performance area is at Elmwood and Lakeshore, several blocks east of Hurontario (Highway 10), with Elmwood closed as half performance venue and half parking lot.

Today (Sunday), busker performances at all venues begin at 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (Note - the last show of the day at Memorial Park is Kobbler Jay at 5 p.m.)

After the 5:45 p.m. shows, all buskers move to the Elizabeth Street venue to take part in the 'Grandest Finale' at 6:30 p.m., with proceeds being donated to charity.

Buskers are performing for tips only, and are (necessarily) not shy about asking for them. Each of the venues has an information center where you can get a brochure and schedule outlining all the acts and locations, as well as get change to toss into the buskers' hats, guitar cases, etc.

A chalk artist is also scheduled, but with the wet weather we've had, likely this 'show' has been rained out.

Though the audiences were a good size, and appreciative, it appeared that a number of people must have forgotten their wallets at home :-) Remember these performers are NOT being paid -- they live by their tips and wits!

See this post on how to get to Port Credit by GO train from Union Station.

For a downloadable PDF of today's full schedule by time and venue, see Port Credit BIA .

GO Train Toronto Union Station to Port Credit Mississauga and Back

Schedule Update Effective June 29, 2013
GO Union to Port Credit (Lakeshore West line)  every 30 minutes.

See GO Transit for details.

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The easiest way to get from Toronto Union Station to Port Credit, especially if you do not know this area of Mississauga, may be by GO train. Port Credit parking can be a challenge, especially during summer festivals -- the Waterfront Festival, Port Credit in-water Boat Show, Canada Day, or the South Side Shuffle (jazz festival), etc.

Or maybe you're planning a Port Credit pub crawl along Lakeshore Road West; Using the GO train means you don't have to worry about a designated driver.

Port Credit GO Station

Here's the station in Port Credit. Trains run from Union Station in Toronto from 6 a.m. until quarter to one in the morning. (Use the Lakeshore West GO train and Bus schedule).

For example, on a Friday night, you could take the GO train at Union at 5:43 p.m., or 6:03, 6:43. or at 7:42 (trains leave Union hourly after the quarter to seven train.) and arrive in Port Credit station in about 25 minutes. The fare each way for an adult is $4.55 as of today's date. Return is $9.10.

On Saturday, Sunday or Holidays, GO trains leave Union hourly, at 43 minutes past the hour (roughly quarter to the hour).

Maybe you just want to stroll along the Port Credit section of the Waterfront Trail. The picture below shows what you see when you come out of the Port Credit GO station on Queen Street East (ie south side), looking down Helene Street North -- it's only a short walk to Lake Ontario (road end) and the Waterfront Trail.

View from south side Port Credit GO station

This intersection is about one block west of Hurontario (Highway 10) and three short blocks north of Lakeshore Road East (Highway 2).

If you don't know Port Credit, the easiest way to go into the village is down Helene Street to Lakeshore. All the pubs, restaurants, festival venues, etc., are along Lakeshore, or can be seen from Lakeshore.

The Credit River and the lighthouse are to the right along Lakeshore, about 4 blocks; Ten Restaurant and Wine Bar is to the left one block along Lakeshore, on the south side.

Using the Friday night pub crawl as an example, you can catch the GO train at Port Credit and head back to Union Station at 9:44 p.m., 10:44 p.m., and 11:44 p.m. (quarter to midnight; last train) (see GO schedule Port Credit).

But if you miss the last train into Union, you can take the Mississauga Transit (23 East) bus to Long Branch, then take the TTC from Long Branch to wherever you need to go in Toronto. The 23 East Lakeshore bus stops at Port Credit GO station as well as along Lakeshore Road East, and goes to Long Branch every 15-25 minutes (depending on weekday or weekend schedule) until roughly 1 a.m. Mind you, this will take a lot longer than the GO train, and cost more (two fares - Mississauga Transit and TTC).

Much faster to hop in a cab in Port Credit, and go to Long Branch -- it's about $15, depending on fare increases, and maybe 10 minutes driving time.

Here's a googlemap to help sort it all out: View Larger Map

I put the link in to the map page - I hope it works all right. When I just searched Port Credit GO station in googlemaps, it gave the view of all southern GTA. In the picture above, the GO station is 'B' and the lighthouse is 'C'.

TIP To search this blog for more Port Credit, Lakeshore, or GO transit posts, use the more accurate and satisfying google search box (not the 'search labels blogger feature, which misses most searches).

UPDATE March 14 2009
GO Transit increased fares by $.25 (25 cents) per ticket effective today.
GO Transit site will show correct fares.

Update New Year's Eve December 31, 2009
GO Transit Free tonight - see GO for information

Waterfront Trail Port Credit Mississauga Ontario

Construction of the Waterfront Trail through Rhododendron Gardens park in the Port Credit area of Mississauga is well under way this summer. (see Waterfront Trail site for details of the Trail)
This picture shows the new trail being cut from the Garden entrance at Shawmarr and Lakeshore in Port Credit. Currently the Waterfront Trail access is a block east of this intersection, at Godfrey's Lane. This new trail section will run along the creek in the Gardens, over the foot bridge at the lakeshore, across the field near the Tamaracks (photos), then rejoin Godfreys' Lane.

Heavy duty earthmoving equipment is cutting a new trail from the parking lot along the creek that runs through the Gardens and enters Lake Ontario about half a kilometer from here.

Along this new section of Waterfront Trail, the City of Mississauga Parks and Recreation Dept has planted about 15 new trees. As well, the gardeners have planted hundreds of new rhododendrons, an entirely new rose garden, dozens of hostas and relocated several mature azaleas.

The intersection (above picture) is Lakeshore Road and Shawnmarr. Parking is by permit only on weekends at the Gardens parking lot, but onstreet parking is available on Shawnmarr. There is also a Mississauga Transit bus stop at this intersection (bus No. 23).

When this new section of trail re-enters Godfrey's Lane it merges with Ben Machree and is well-signed. The trail passes through a block or so of city street, then rejoins the lakeshore trail, where you get these wonderful views into Toronto. Note the CN Tower on the skyline.

See new pictures of the Waterfront Trail on this updated August 29 2008 post.

Have a look at the Google Map for this part of the Waterfront Trail. The trail is not marked clearly on this map, but move the image to follow along the lake into Port Credit.


View Larger Map

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

Canada Day Port Credit Memorial Park Pictures

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Update July 1 2010 Canada Day July 1 2010 Events See you there!

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July 1 2009 : Canada Day in Port Credit Sign

The sign is up on Lakeshore Road for this year's Canada Day celebration and fireworks in Port Credit. I'll pop by on the day and take pictures. To see last year's celebration pics, read on!
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July 1 2008
Picture perfect day, weather-wise here in Port Credit this Canada Day! (For info on Mississauga fireworks for tonight see earlier post) (and for info on Jack Darling park see later post) I had headed up to Lakeshore and Wenonah, to catch the cake cutting ceremony slated for noon. From my house, it's 3.3 km (2 miles) according to Google maps; I had really wanted cake to walk so far there and back!

Still setting up for the cake cutting : delayed

Just as I could see some balloons, etc that signalled the end of my quest, I met Ron, the intrepid publisher of the Mississauga News, who was leaving this venue, as, he said, the ceremony, etc had been moved back to 3 p.m. Since it had just gone noon, I couldn't see hanging about for 3 hours either, and missing all the fun back along the Credit River and Lakeshore.

Paint the Town Red - Even the White traffic lines!

I had noticed that the white traffic lines had been given red outlines, and every so often a tiny maple leaf was stenciled in the centre of the white line. From time to time, in the gaps between white lines, a small Canada flag appeared. Now I don't know about you, but I think that this shows great attention to detail. Well done, whoever!!

Memorial Park Port Credit Canada Day 2008

Back at the Credit River and Lakeshore, in Memorial Park, bands were playing, vendors vending and happy revellers reveling! A cool breeze blowing, flags waving, and sunny skies!

The Bouncing castle

Having a great time -- the skateboard park is just behind the castle.

Credit River Views From the Lighthouse in Port Credit

From the observation deck at the landmark Port credit lighthouse, I could see a boat ease its way up the Credit River past Memorial Park and the Canada Day celebrations.

Traffic on Lakeshore Mississauga - Park and Walk

I took this shot also from the lighthouse deck, above the bridge that crosses over the Credit River. Traffic had been heavy all day, and at the time of this photo, it was just past 2 p.m. By now, I had had a good walk around town, with a stop at Scoops for my fave cone, Polar Paws ice cream on a waffle cone.

Scoops, if you haven't guessed, is our local ice cream shop, just a block or so east from here, and the lines were out the door. A short while before, I had a nice chat with a couple who had come from North York and forest Hill - "just out for a drive" - and stopped to join in the fun. Most restaurants are open, or will open for their usual dinner hours, and, as Port Credit is a designated tourist zone, many shops are open as well.

I hope to head back around 9 p.m. to see the fireworks. Happy Canada Day, all!