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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Christmas Pageant Port Credit Mississauga Free Admission Live Animals Great Costumes Refreshments

St Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church Footprints of Christmas Show 2011 Dec 1-2-3 Here are pictures from 2010 :

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This week, St Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church in Port Credit is holding its 13th annual Christmas show pageant called Footprints of Christmas,  and this is an event well worth taking in if you're in the area. Here are some pictures I took on the opening night, December 2, that will give you a glimpse of what to expect. I hope you'll be as charmed as I was! Thanks to everyone involved for a wonderful evening!

Interior St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Port Credit

The pageant -- Christmas story tour begins at the main entrance to the church on Stavebank Road North, where visitors are grouped into 'families' of no more than 15 members and given an official decree from Caesar Augustus to "report to the city of your fathers for census and payment of tax". While you wait for your 'family's' turn to head out for the census, you wait in the church. Carols and Christmas songs and festive decorations set the mood for your journey.

Llama one of the Live Animals Port Credit Christmas Pageant

After two sessions within the church -- one is a great slide show presentation and a spoken word presentation of the beginning of the Christmas Story; and the other is a stage presentation of Mary and Joseph's visitation from their respective angels -- the head of your 'family' leads you outside to start your journey. This llama is tethered next to the tent of the Three Wise Men.

Two of the Three Wise Men - St Andrews Footprints of Christmas

The head of our family talks with the Three Wise Men about the Star in the East and the 'gifts of the Magi' that are displayed on a small table: gold,frankinsense and myrrh.

Sheep in Pen ~ Shepherds Flock at Port Credit

After we leave the Wise Men, we come upon the shepherds tending their flock at night, in the desert. Children loved to see these animals and stopped to watch them for a while before heading into the Shepherds' tent.

Tax Collector and Census at Bethlehem Part of Christmas Story

 Our family heads into the tax collector's office to be counted, and to pay our taxes. We all hand him our census form, and after a brief controversy as to the amount due, our leader pays the tax man with a small bag of silver. Kudos to the players for a convincing performance: I was ready to dig into my purse to pay the extra money! Our census forms are stamped as paid and returned to us. They make a great souvenir of the evening.

Lepers Begging Outside the Marketplace - St Andrews Church Yard

As we continued our journey, looking for a place to stay for the night, we headed to a marketplace. On the way, these 'lepers' sitting behind a fence in the dark called out asking for money. Again, I was prepared to give them some! Good job, kids!

MarketPlace Near 'Bethlehem' ~ St Andrews Churchyard Port Credit

As we walked past the lepers, we came across a good sized marketplace, where young people were 'selling' all manner of goods in a large tent. Again, a credible performance from these young people.

No Room At the Inn ~ Christmas Story Highlight ~ St Andrew's Church

Past the marketplace, we came across an Inn where we had hoped to stay the night. The innkeeper answered our leader's knock at the door and told us there was no more room, but directed us to go around the back of the inn.

Nativity Scene St Andrews Church Footprints of Christmas

Around the back of the inn we went, and came across this charming nativity scene. As I walked around the back of the 'stable' in the dark, I came face to face with a donkey tethered at the far side. Hard to say who was more surprised!

Roman Soldier outside Bethlehem : Port Credit (Mississauga) ON

As we took our leave from the Holy Family, we passed this Roman Soldier guarding the gates to Bethlehem. From here, our family's journey was done, and we went into a side door of the church where refreshments were served.

Christmas Cookies Served to One and All: Footprints of Christmas

The lower level of St Andrews Church was set with displays for Christmas. Tables were laid with plates of Christmas cookies, and at the far end, a canteen served up hot cider, hot chocolate and coffee. There is a donation basket, but there is no pressure to contribute.

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this 'trip to Bethlehem', and was impressed with the charm and hospitality of our hosts. It's obvious how much love and time the congregation has invested in this annual event, and for that I thank them. If you are having trouble finding your Christmas spirit, then head out tonight (Friday) or tomorrow (Saturday) and take part in this wonderful community event!

A huge Thank You to St Andrew's Presbyterian Church!

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St Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church is located at 24 Stavebank Road North of Lakeshore Road East in Port Credit. The 'Footprints of Christmas' is at trip worth taking Friday and Saturday night starting at 6:30 p.m. December 3, 4. Free to all. More information at www.standrewsportcredit.ca

Artisan Studio Tour Mississauga South Fine Craft Show

20 Artisans, 8 Studios, Free Tour ~ Fun Day + Christmas, Personal Shopping Opportunity

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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.

 Mississauga South Fine Craft Show Brochure

Buskerfest Port Credit Mississauga ~ Call for Volunteers, Call for Fun! Get Involved, and Come on Down!

Update: Pictures, etc August 22, 2010 this post

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What is a Busker Festival?

Buskers are gutsy street performers. It's theatre in the street, comedians, contortionists, magicians and mimes, sword-swallowers and human statues. It's jugglers, escape artists and acrobats. Each performer tries to out performs the others, all for a toss of a coin in the hat.

Buskerfest Sign Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens ~ Lakeshore Road West

The Buskerfest 5 (the fifth annual festival) signs are up on Lakeshore Road West at the BRG west of Port Credit Village.  The Buskerfest dates are:

• Friday, August 20 from 7 p.m to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, August 21  from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Buskerfest 5 Map of Performing Areas Port Credit Mississauga

There are 6 main performance areas (above). Here's a list of who is where, and the sponsors who make it possible:

Number 1 (3 Stages,) Port Credit Memorial Park; sponsored by Peel Chrysler and Xtreme Tire Garage featuring the Fire Shows on Friday and Saturday night plus the Xtreme Finale on Sunday at 6:45 p.m., a charity show with all proceeds going to Options Mississauga, and Busker Academy, a new component sponsored by LaVilla Fine Foods featuring hourly workshops beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn how to juggle, do magic, walk on stilts, make balloon animals, creative clown face and more.

Number 2 Credit Village Marina;  sponsored by the Paint the Town Red Committee (Canada Day Committee).

Number 3 Port Credit Harbour Marina; sponsored by Lake Affect Bar and Grill.

Number 4 Elizabeth St. South (No Frills); sponsored by Carmen Corbasson, Mississauga Ward One Councillor.

Number 5 Helene St. North sponsored by Pizza Pizza.

Number 6 Port Credit Village Square ( at TEN Restaurant, Hurontario and Lakeshore Rd East), sponsored by Charles Sousa, MPP, featuring buskers and vendors.

Not Just on the Stages:
Almost every Busker rotates through the pitches (stage areas) so that each area has a nice variety of performers. In addition to the Busker Pitches, roaming performers will be visiting the shops all along the Lakeshore providing entertainment and fun for customers.

An early morning Busker Show will be featured at the Farmers Market (Lakeshore Road East of Hurontario) on Saturday morning, and buskers will also be roaming Lakeshore Road east of Hurontario throughout the Fest.

Please remember that this schedule may change without notice at any time. It’s Buskerfest!

Street Closures for Buskerfest:
Only two minor road closures over this festival weekend: Elizabeth Street South (No Frills) and Helene Street North.


From Brenda at Buskerfest 5:

"Our volunteers get more than just the opportunity to help out with an exciting event. They become a part of one of the most vibrant social communities in Ontario. It’s great fun!

"We need volunteers age 16 and over for Buskerfest 5 to work as Information representatives at each Busker site. We also need people to help with the set-up and tear-down, and for security and hospitality. There are great shifts, cool T-shirt, and interesting people to work with.

"Most volunteers act as' information booths': You get to sit in the tents and answer questions, and in effect, get priority seating for Buskerfest."

To find out more or to volunteer, come to the Orientation meeting on Tuesday, August 17th at 7 p.m. at the Port Credit Legion (googlemap) or email pc-volunteer@bellnet.net for more information, or to sign up if you cannot make the meeting.

You don't have to live in Port Credit to volunteer. Come out and meet other Mississaugans! It's more fun when you're involved.


Related:
Buskerfest Pictures from previous festivals.
Buskerfest scheduled Buskers

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Saturday August 21 2010 : Update

Great time had by all on Friday night! To get a fairly up to date schedule, stop at the Buskerfest tents at the main locations on the map. There's a handout from the Port Credit Village Times that shows the performances, though no map is included.

If you have a copy from this paper delivered to many Mississauga homes this week, be aware that two of the stages/ pitches were inadvertently omitted in the printing process.

If you are not familiar with Port Credit, you may want to print out the location map (above) and bring it with you. In any event, it's not hard to orient yourself once you are on Lakeshore.

Today's events start at one o'clock and run until 11 tonight, with the big Fire Extravaganza set for 10:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, east side of the Credit River, across from Lighthouse.

See you there!

Boating Mississauga ~ Port Credit Harbour Lake Ontario Mississauga

Kayaks, tankers, sailboats, Coast Guard vessel, Zodiak, Dragon Boat and a helicopter: The view at the mouth of the Credit River at Lake Ontario at Port Credit is an ever-changing panorama, as varied as the types of watercraft!

Here are my pictures taken over the course of one day. [Click to enlarge; Back to return]

Credit River Meets Lake Ontario in Port Credit

The view from the west: Boats docked at the Port Credit Harbour Marina, the breakwater tanker Ridgetown, a dragon boat and sailboats on Lake Ontario.  You can see by the list of the sailboats that a brisk wind was blowing this afternoon.

Dragon Boat ~ Ridgetown Tanker ~ Sailboats Lake Ontario

The Laker Ridgetown, built by Chicago Shipbuilding, was sunk as breakwater at Port Credit June 21, 1974 [date not confirmed]. The dragon boats paddle out of the Mississauga Canoe Club, which is hosting the 7th Annual Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival this Sunday, June 13 right here at the mouth of the Credit River in Port Credit.

Port Credit Harbour Marina ~ Boating in Mississauga Ontario

 There are two marinas in Port Credit, located at the mouth of the Credit River. The Port Credit Harbour Marina is at 1 Port St. East, south of the Waterside Inn; the Credit Village Marina at 12 Stavebank Rd. South, between the lighthouse and Snug Harbour restaurant, is operated by the City of Mississauga.

Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Caribou Isle

The CCGS Caribou Isle was in the harbour, and patrolling along the waterfront at Saddington Park (map, trail this post).

Peel Regional Police Zodiak off Saddington Park Mississauga Ontario

The Peel Police Marine Unit patrols Lake Ontario between Marie Curtis Park (Etobicoke Creek) to the east and Joshua Creek on the west. The larger ship was also in the harbour area this day, but I didn't get the photo.

Kayaker ? No. Outrigger Canoe * on Credit River Mississauga Ontario

I find the best time to see kayaks on the Credit River and along Saddington Park is early morning, just around sunrise. This morning, four kayaks headed down river and out into Lake Ontario. Late afternoon into early evening also is prime kayak watching time.* See comment from the 'man in the picture'.

Tanker Lake Ontario Clarkson (Mississauga) Refinery

Large vessels, be they lakers or tankers or whatever, can be seen farther out into Lake Ontario. This larger ship was docking offshore near the Clarkson Petro Canada Lubricants refinery. 

Helicopter Off Saddington Park Port Credit Ontario

 As I was taking a picture of one of the boats in the Harbour, I heard the sound of this helicopter overhead and behind me: I turned and snapped fast - and am so happy that the picture turned out.

Here are web pages for some of the boats mentioned in this post:

• Credit Village Marina  http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/citymarinas
• Port Credit Harbour Marina http://www.lakeontarioports.com/directory/show/21
• CCGS Caribou Isle http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/Fleet/Vessels?id=1073
• Peel Regional Police Marine Unit  http://www.peelpolice.on.ca/Specialized%20Units/Specialized%20Response/Marine%20Unit.aspx

If you're in the area in August 27-29, plan to take in the 20th anniversary Port Credit In-Water Boat Show http://www.portcreditboatshow.ca/

Shoppers Drug Mart Port Credit Mississauga Ontario New Store Open Lakeshore Road West

After a year's construction, Shoppers Drug Mart is set to open Thursday, April 22, 2010 at its new location in our neighbourhood in Port Credit, Ontario.  Here are some pictures to show how a vacant car lot became a large, modern pharmacy in under a year.

Work Begins on New SDM store May 2009

This is a new store for the current Shoppers Drug Mart at nearby Credit Landing Shopping Centre, 228 Lakeshore Road West, with staff reporting for work about one block west on Lakeshore Road, to the new location at 321 Lakeshore Road West.

Let the Rubble Begin! Heavy Machinery Moves Into Port Credit

Over the summer, as heavy machinery came to demolish the old car dealership, and begin construction on the new Shoppers, the Lakeshore Road streetscape began to change. At one point, when the south sidewalk was blocked to pedestrians, and the 4-lane street narrowed to 2 lanes, commuters grumbled.

Traffic Island Installed Lakeshore Road W. Port Credit

Lakeshore Road West was repaved between Pine and Maple streets, and a traffic island added to prevent westbound traffic from entering Shoppers Drug Mart from Lakeshore Road.

 November 2009 - The Walls Go Up at Shoppers

The new store began to take over the Fall, with the Olympic torch Relay passing by December 19, after the yellow shell was added. With the mild winter, construction continued almost non-stop.

February 2009 Shoppers Drug Mart Construction

I took this picture in late afternoon in early February. The bricklayers, etc. continued to work under plastic sheeting, warmed by heaters fueled by large propane tanks. Even on Christmas Day afternoon as I passed by, I noticed two subcontractors hard at work in the drizzle-y rain.

April 2009 Workers Erect the SDM Signs

Walking into Port Credit in early April, I saw the signs being affixed to the building, and the store itself was in the process of being set up and stocked.

As the landscaping - new grass and shrubs, and today, a newly paved parking lot - readied the store for business, the store shelves at the old location were nearly empty. As with the Credit Landing location, the new store will also have a Post Office. Unlike the old store, the new store will have a grocery section; this is one of my personal faves, so I'm looking forward to some great opening specials!

Sign at Credit Landing SDM Redirects Customers to New Location

The new Shoppers will accommodate two doctors' offices, I am told, though I don't have any names as yet. Work still continues on the west end of the new location, and we're wondering what type of business will be locating there.

Here's a googlemap of both locations :


View Shoppers Drug Mart Port Credit ON in a larger map

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