J.C. Saddington Park

This photo-op park is located at 53 Lake Street and is at the mouth of the Credit river in the village of Port Credit.  It's part of the waterfront trail that I've done quite a few times now.

This segment is to the west of Samuel Smith Park and offers super-sized picnic areas, barbecues, comfort stations, walking trails for joggers and cyclists and a children's playground as well as a pond.

If you come from the west of Mississauga Road and south of Lakeshore Park you will see about 73 acres of brown space known as the Imperial Oil Lands.

I took a few pictures of the Thomas Nightingale opened a brickyard on the west side of the Credit River in the 1880’s. He added a stone crusher which increased the production until the 1900s when there wasn't enough local labour to run the brickyards.

A series of bunkhouses were constructed and Italian workers were brought in to meet the demand.


After the First World War, the clay was becoming exhausted and the yards started operating at a loss. By 1929 the brickyards were closed.  This brick was found on the property of the old brickyards where it was made, perhaps over 100 years ago.

In 1933 the Lloyd Refining Company purchased part of the property to build a modern refinery capable of producing 1,500 barrels a day.  The refinery changed hands a few times including 1937 and 1946.  In 1955 the property was purchased by Texaco and their Canadian subsidiary McColl-Frontenac began operating the refinery.  In 1959 the name was changed to Texaco Canada Ltd.  Petrochemicals were produced here beginning in 1978 but by 1985 it was starting to be decommissioned.  The oil tank farm was removed first and by 1987 it was fully closed.  Only one small building remains on site along with a storage shed.

The property has sat vacant for a couple of decades now and is highly contaminated from its years as an oil refinery.  As of March 2017, Imperial Oil is selling the property to a developer who plans to develop a waterfront park, mid-rise condos and affordable housing on the site.  Today the property is home to a large selection of wildlife.  Coyote scat is everywhere and rabbits and squirrels provide food for them as well as the hawks.  A white tailed deer was casually feeding just inside the fence from Mississauga Road.

Roadways and concrete pads mark the locations of the former tanks and buildings.  The property is marked as no trespassing because of the numerous hazards that exist throughout.  This story is presented to preserve the site as it exists at this moment in time.  Soon it will change forever and this chapter will be lost.  Choosing to explore here is solely your responsibility.  A large man-made pond covers a section of the property and may feature in redevelopment plans for a central park within the community.  The pond is currently full of pipes that have started to break apart over the years of abandonment.

The lower corner of the pond still has the dam and flood control devices intact.  Two sluice gates could be opened by turning handwheels.  The cover photo shows a closer look at the mechanics of the system.

Outflow from the pond was transferred to a series of settling ponds to remove solids from the water.  From here it was carried through a concrete pipe and released into the lake.

We made our way to the end of the concrete pipe that discharged the water from the pond on the Imperial Oil Lands.  The round concrete pipe has been encased in a concrete shell to protect it from the effects of the lake.

The Waterfront Trail takes the name Imperial Oil Trail as it passes along the lake side of the property.  We followed it west to where you are forced briefly to follow the road.  That wasn’t such a bad thing as we were treated to a broad-winged hawk sitting on a hydro wire.  These birds usually winter in the south and I wonder if this one was noticing the -20-celsius wind and wishing it hadn’t come back yet.

Ben Machree Park has some interesting wood carvings by Jim Menkin.  Jim has converted dead tree stumps into art with his chainsaw in many parts of Ontario including Orangeville and Mississauga.  This park features three wood carvings named “Sirens of Homer’s Odyssey”.

We returned along the Imperial Oil Trail east toward the mouth of the Credit River.  Just east of the concrete drainage pipe from the oil lands is a lengthy finger pier extending out into Lake Ontario.  This pier provides great views to the west looking toward Rattray Marsh.  To the east, you can see the Ridgetown with the city of Toronto in the background. The ship is partially sunk at the mouth of the Credit River to provide shelter for the marina.  Our post on the Ridgetown contains its fascinating history.

In the 1940’s Port Credit ended at Lake Street, of all places!  Today it extends out into the lake in the form of J. C. Saddington Park.  This park is built on a decommissioned dump that was in use from 1949 to 1970. A pond has been created for recreation and fishing and benches positioned around for relaxation. The pond has a thin layer of ice on it from the past two days of cold weather and a light dusting of snow.  A sliver of the moon can be seen above the trees in the middle of the picture.

Three historic buildings stand in the corner of the parking lot. Dating from 1922 to 1923 the Port Credit Waterworks pumping station was a major advancement in the infrastructure of Port Credit.

Swans, Canada Geese and several species of ducks were all to be seen in the lake today.  Of interest was the fact that they have gone back into pairs after spending the winter in groups.  Spring must be coming soon…
A 1973 Toronto Archive Aerial photo of the oil lands can be accessed here.

Mabel Davis Conservation Area (Newmarket)

This was one of those bone chilling days in late winter, just approaching spring, when we decided to check out another trail to walk off some calories after our AYCE lunches.  We decided to go to Mabel Davis Conservation area as the map showed us it was close.

You can enter the kilometre trail here either from Bayview Parkway or off of Davis Drive.  We started from the Davis drive location where we were able to find some parking off the side of the road.  

The trail is south of the Rogers Reservoir,  which I had blogged before (you can search for it to see some nice pictures of Holland landing).

This 7 hectare area is surrounded by city development, but you can still find a wide range of animals like rabbits, muskrats and raccoons.  Of course this time of year, the geese, ducks and drakes are in full swing totally acclimatized to the winters here in Canada.  

One of the most unique features of this trail however are the trail markers.  They are known as 'doodems' and they all use natural elements and are inspired by the Ojibwe ancestors.  There are 10 'doodems' in total.   I only captured 1 of them.  The OWL (GOOKOOKO'OO(G) - Which means wisdom and foresight.  Keeper of sacred knowledge.  This may largely be due to the fact that the owl is a great foreteller of weather conditions and are creatures of the night.

By the time we got as far as the Newmarket Radial Arch bridge, the sky had washed out creating a sombre feel (at least that's how I viewed it).  The Radial Arch bridge was built in  1909 by the Toronto and York Radial Railway company and is known to be one of the earliest reinforced concrete arches.  Standing on it's own now as a piece of history, it once supported part of a trestle bridge spanning the Holland river and Grand Trunk railway tracks. 

Newmarket is very proud of this parabolic arch which has a clear span of 15 metres and a rise of 7 metres.  The railway was discontinued in the 1930s, but since the arch was one of few of its kind, it was preserved in 1979 by the town of Newmarket.  I am not going to say I was impressed as today's standard architecture and engineering leaves this little archway paling...but considering the tools and technology we have today I will respect what I saw nonetheless. 

My final thoughts are this is a must see trail when the leaves are out and you might be able to catch some wildlife.  Also, I'd like to see all the 'doodems' when I have more time.

Oh, and who was Mabel Davis?  She was a lifetime resident of Newmarket who donated a strip of land to the Conservation Area.   She was the namesake for this trail.

Thornton Bale Conservation Area -(Joker's Hill)

It was a seasonal afternoon, when temperatures almost crept up into the double digits when we both had the afternoon off.  I've been wanting to go to Thornton Bales Conservation Area for quite some time now since I heard about "Joker's Hill".  The name intrigued me, here we are.

Thornton Bales is located near King, Ontario and has some parking closeby for the public.  The map on entrance of the trail shows a 4.2 kilometer loop which is perfect to bring us out and back with an hour or so.   

The trail itself was wet and at times slippery or muddy but generally in good hiking condition.  It is considered moderate because there are plenty of hills, slopes and valleys to conquer.  The beauty is rugged and undeniable. 

Here's the interesting part and I will get to the 'Joker's Hill" in a second.  This land was donated by Drs. Murray and Marvel Koffler and encompasses 350 Hectares of ecosystems, with 50 hectares accessible all year around to the public for hiking and trail blazing.  Scientists and students come from all over the world to this area called ANSI which is the Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  Quickly you'll notice a 54 metre drop up ahead from the southwest corner to the north boundary nicknamed "The 99 Steps"   

So the bulk of this donated land is used by the University of Toronto to investigate critical environmental issues such as biological invasions and climate change and to study the basic biology of the region's diverse plants and flora life.  You will see marked areas such as 'research in progress' All they really ask is that you avoid those areas so the scientific studies to continue.

The Koffler Scientific Reserve which it is called, hosts many activities such as for the university involving their coursework or even public nature walks.  So this is called Joker's Hill.  Still don't understand why it's called that :)

Their mission: Building a sustainable future through  research and education on the environment, in the environment.




We had to use the GPS, much to my husband's lament because the marked trail didn't follow the loop in my all trails app, and I am pretty sure would have gotten lost without it.  Part of the problem is that the markers can be confusing and there are so many forks at times.  Beautiful woody trail.  I really think they could remark some of the areas.  

We met up with a lot of people who were lost from the Bathurst entrance.   So it turned into quite the adventure after all.  I wouldn't trade this experience though and I think I would prefer to be here on grey wet days and it seems to suit the mood of the dark wood much more than the bright warmth of the sun.

Great trails, amazing views .  I will definitely come back again in the fall.

Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area

Almost six years ago now, when I was driving back from somewhere... I don't remember where,  I stumbled onto one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. 

Funny thing is from the outside it was just a parking lot and not even a properly paved one.  I almost didn't bother.  But that time, almost dusk I took a couple of my favourite photographs ever.  It was hard to top it again.  I don't think I ever did.


I stopped blogging for so many years because I saw so many other people taking pictures that I thought were better or pictures of the same thing.

Then after hearing so many people tell me that they missed "my stories" or my photography that I realized that we are all stars in our own right.  We all have that take on something and that you shouldn't compare yourself to anyone else.

Taking pictures of the shot or what I love is precious whether 1 person or 1 million people read or see what it is you do, it is a part of you.  It is your legacy.  Sometimes it's the only thing you leave behind and you have a duty to share it.

So now after all that melodrama is over with -  I come back again.  The weather is perfect and the day ahead is long, not nearing an end at all.  I encountered some great blue herons overhead, but scrambled with a camera feeble-handed and excited and never got one clear shot of them.

The Rogers Reservoir is 70 hectares of trails which follows the route of the abandoned 'Ghost Canal system' of the early 1900s and is part of the Nokiidaa Trail system which links the Towns of East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora.  You can access it from the parking lot that I am speaking of earlier which is on the north side of Green Lane, between 2nd Concession and Leslie St.  

Start your hike by walking west towards the bridge. Before the bridge, you will notice a trail going north; this is the route of the historic Metropolitan Radial Line. As you cross the foot bridge, you will see the remains of a swing bridge that was once part of the canal system.

Next you will be at a T-intersection. The trail to the south heads to Newmarket and the East Gwillimbury GO station; the trail to the north is the Rogers Reservoir Trail.

The trail is flat and is perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Take note of the wildlife you may see: heron, geese, American coot, rails, kingfishers and several varieties of ducks floating along the waters.

Note the many spots along the trail that give visitors the opportunity to take a rest and enjoy watching the river from either the benches or sitting rocks. To your right, you will see the Holland River, on the left-hand side there are wetlands. Work is ongoing to enhance this habitat.

The Region of York is undertaking a dramatic transformation of 2nd Concession where it crosses the Holland River. Changes to the trail system and access points should be anticipated.

With its natural wetlands, meadow habitats and mixed forest, areas like Rogers Reservoir are becoming more important to have access to. As our homes get larger and our yards smaller, we’re becoming more detached from nature. And study after study highlights the importance of exposure to nature for our mental and physical well-being.

For those living in East Gwillimbury, a quick stroll from the corner of Yonge Street and Mount Albert Sideroad will lead you into the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area where you’ll see all sorts of birds like great blue herons, American coots and sora rails. You’ll also see turtles, frogs and dragonflies in the newly enhanced wetland.

You can also relax and cast a fishing line in the river. There are many options for your outdoor adventure.

For those a little further south of East Gwillimbury, you’ll be pleased to know that Rogers Reservoir can now be accessed from the Nokiidaa trail, connecting Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury along the East Holland River. So grab your bike or plan a hike for the day and hit the trail. For those who are too far to walk, or don’t own a bike, you can also park your car and enter the Conservation Area on the north side of Greenlane, between Yonge Street and Leslie Street.

If you’re new to the area or not so confident in your outdoor exploration skills, a perfect opportunity to explore the area is coming on June 16, when they host  a Community BioBlitz event. BioBlitz events are increasing in popularity across the world for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike. The daylong event will see many experienced nature lovers sharing their knowledge and expertise with others as they explore the area to catalogue the hundreds of species that can be found.