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Sightseekers Across Canada Project
Mississauga Credit River
The Credit River is a popular spot for fishermen, birdwatchers, and for enjoying nature walks. It flows through the heart of Mississauga from north of Caledon (called the Forks of the Credit) to Lake Ontario.
How the Credit River Began
The Credit River started when a huge glacier taller than the C.N. Tower melted! This glacier was a huge slow moving mass of ice found on the land. As the glacier melted, and trust me, it takes a long time for a glacier to melt, it cut away at the ground. That's how the Credit River began. (By Ramanan, Grade 5)
Early Pollution of the Credit River
Pollution has been destroying the earth's environment. One of the special places to be affected was the Credit River and the forests surrounding it. In the past, this river was a dumping ground for garbage and sewage. Now the people of Mississauga realize that the river is special. We are striving to clean it up so that people will be able to enjoy scenic views, wildlife and the special sport of fishing.(by Christina, Grade 5)
Credit River Fish
Many different kinds of fish swim through the Credit River each year, including salmon, bass and trout. One kind of salmon called the coho swim up river for the first time to spawn and then they die. Mississauga is letting the coho die out. They do not plan to put anymore coho into the river. Instead, now they are putting a new kind of fish called the Atlantic salmon into the waters. They're life cycle is much longer than the coho so soon the river will no longer be covered with dead decaying fish each fall.
(by Jim Grade 5)
Animals who live by the Credit
Swooping seagulls, swift salmon, slithering snakes, slimy slugs and red-tailed hawks are just some of the animals whose habitat is the Credit River. Canadian geese and seagulls are some of the birds that are seen most often soaring through the sky. Deer and foxes can be seen. (by Allison, Grade 5)
Fishing in the Protected Waters
The Credit River is a place where people can go fishing but if you are 17 years or older you must have a license. If you try to catch fish with just a plain hook with no bait, it is called snagging. This is illegal. If you get caught snagging you could lose your license or even be fined. Most people enjoy salmon fishing. The best time to see salmon is in the autumn when they are swimming upstream.(by Danielle and Tina Grade 5)
An old time River Tragedy
The Credit River has not always been a happy place. Here is a story about a tragedy that will bring tears to your eyes.
On April 10, 1824, the loggers were taking logs and rafts of lumber down the Credit River. In a bend just below the power dam a log jam occurred. When more logs came they hit each other with such force that they made a sound like thunder. One of the most daring river drivers, Lachlan McLachlan, said he would try to break the jam. While people on the banks held their breath, he mounted the mass of logs. Walking lightly he found the key log. With all his strength he pushed the huge log. As soon as the log was free, it jumped forward sending him under water to his doom. He tried to get out of the water but he couldn't.
When the body was discovered they found a locket with a portrait of a lovely young girl. When they went to Lachlan's house they found a bundle of letters from a girl. They later found out that he used to be a shepherd in Scotland and that he was working as a river driver in Canada so he could bring his love Jessie Graham to Canada.
The body was carried by boat to a house on the east side of the Credit. Six people rowed the boat which had the body. Native people followed in their canoes. They left the locket and all the letters on his chest and where he was buried they planted a pine tree on the grave.
In Scotland, on a cool summer evening a girl sat on the banks of Loch Lomond. She saw a postie in his boat. She hoped the postie carried a letter from her love in Canada but all she got was a letter from a minister saying her love had died in a river jam!
(researched from the Streetsville Review 1824, by Ramanan and Jim, Grade 5)
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