Have you ever wondered how the Credit River got its name? The English name dates back to the early days of French fur trading, when traders would provide goods to Indigenous peoples on credit—in exchange for furs that would be delivered the following spring. Because of this trading practice, the river became known as the Rivière au Crédit (“River of Credit”).

The Story Behind the Credit River’s Name

A trading post was established at the mouth of the river—what is now Port Credit—in the early 18th century. There, traders continued the custom of advancing goods on credit against future fur deliveries.
Interestingly, before it was called the Rivière au Crédit, the river was known by its original Indigenous name, Missinnihe, meaning “trusting creek.”

Interesting Facts About the Credit River

The Credit River begins near Orangeville and Alton, flowing south into Lake Ontario at Port Credit.
Together, the river and its tributaries stretch for more than 1,500 kilometres.
Its watershed covers about 1,000 square kilometres, home to roughly 750,000 people.
This vast and vital ecosystem west of Toronto supports incredible biodiversity, including:

1,330 species of plants
64 fish species
41 mammal species
5 turtle species
8 snake species
17 amphibian species
244 bird species

Photos: The Credit River around Georgetown.