The Credit River is a river in southern Ontario which flows from headwaters above the Niagara Escarpment to empty into Lake Ontario at Port Credit, Mississauga. It drains an area of approximately 1,000 km². The total length of the river and its tributary streams is over 1,500 km. Despite urbanization and associated problems with water quality on the lower section of this river, it provides spawning areas for chinook salmon, and rainbow trout. There is a fish ladder on the river at Streetsville. Much of the river can still be travelled by canoe or kayak, although, in some sections, landowners with property edging on the river may not be in full agreement. The headwaters of the Credit River is home to a native self sustaining brook trout population. Credit Valley Conservation, the local watershed management Conservation Authority operates several Conservation Areas including Belfountain, Island Lake, and Terra Cotta.
Forks of the Credit, a Provincial Park is located on the upper part of the river between Brampton and Orangeville, and is near the Bruce Trail. Communities in the river's watershed include:
- City of Brampton
- City of Mississauga
- Township of Amaranth
- Town of Caledon
- Township of East Garafraxa
- Town of Erin
- Town of Halton Hills
- Town of Mono
- Town of Oakville
- Town of Orangeville
The river was named Rivière au Crédit by French fur traders, because trading goods were supplied to the native Mississaugas in advance (on credit) against furs which would be provided the following spring. A trading post was set up here in the early 18th century.
Watershed population and land use
600,000 people live in the watershed 87% of the population lives in the lower 1/3 of the watershed the watershed's population is growing at a rate of approx. 2%. In 1999, 21% of the watershed was developed. By 2020 40% of the watershed will be developed (based on approved development and the official plans of our municipalities).
Plants and animals
The Credit River is home to a wide range of wildlife. Some species are permanent or seasonal residents while others are sighted occasionally: 1330 species of plants, 64 fish species ranging from the small Pumpkin seed and many species of bait fish to the largest Pike. As well 41 species of mammals, 5 species of turtles, 8 kinds of snakes, 17 amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders & newts), and 244 species of birds call this watershed home.
