Crossing the River

Crossing the River. . , For generations, people have been drawn to the mouth of the Credit River, and the development of roads brought an increased need for a reliable way to cross the Credit River. There have been many different ways of crossing over time. After the establishment of the Government Inn in 1798, a small ferry transported people and supplies across the river. The ferry was a flat scow, 23 feet long and 8 feet wide, and was moved by a pole and rope system. Innkeeper Thomas Ingersoll operated the ferry in 1805, followed by his son Charles and his son-in-law Daniel Pickett. The ferry operated until the summer of 1820, when the first bridge across the river was built., The first bridge was made of logs and lasted until 1832, when it was replaced by another wooden bridge, which allowed for smoother access across the river. This second bridge remained until 1850 when it was washed away in a spring flood. On April 15, 1850, Toronto Township granted funds for a "temporary bridge". While awaiting the new bridge, the enterprising Robert Cotton of Port Credit revived the ferry service across the river. The temporary bridge, built by Henry Rutledge and Robert Cotton, was ready in late 1850. In 1851 the new permanent third bridge was constructed, which survived until it was washed out in 1895., The forth bridge was built of iron in late 1895 by the Peterboro Bridge and Engineering Company, and remained in use until 1919, when Lakeshore Road was paved and widened. While the new bridge was being built, a temporary floating "bailey bridge" was used. The fifth permanent bridge was completed in 1919 and was a high-arched, reinforced concrete bowstring bridge. This bridge remained in use until 1959, when the widening of Lakeshore Road again necessitated a replacement. A new, four-lane bridge was opened in 1960, and remains in use today as the sixth permanent bridge crossing the Credit River on Lakeshore Road.