Mimico Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mimico Creek |
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Mimico Creek as it flows through Etobicoke, south of Bloor Street
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 Location of the mouth of the creek in Toronto
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Greater Toronto Area |
| Municipalities | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Brampton 228 m (748 ft) 43°44′26″N 79°44′06″W / 43.74056°N 79.73500°W |
| River mouth | Lake Ontario Toronto 74 m (243 ft) 43°37′19″N 79°28′54″W / 43.62194°N 79.48167°W |
| Length | 33 km (21 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 77 km2 (30 sq mi) |
Mimico Creek is a cool stream that flows through three cities in Ontario, Canada: Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto. It's about 33 kilometers (20 miles) long and eventually flows into Lake Ontario. This creek is part of the huge Great Lakes Basin, which is like a giant bowl that collects water for the Great Lakes.
The name "Mimico" comes from the Ojibwe word omiimiikaa. This word means "a place with lots of wild pigeons." Long ago, people also called it River Mimicoke or Mimicoke Creek.
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Where Does Mimico Creek Flow?
Mimico Creek starts in the city of Brampton. From there, it flows through a community called Malton, which is now part of Mississauga.
The Creek's Journey South
The creek continues its journey southeast. It flows past the busy Toronto Pearson International Airport. Then, it goes through a shallow valley. This valley is surrounded by city neighborhoods like Islington and Mimico.
Sometimes, the creek is put into a concrete channel. This helps to control the water when there are heavy rainstorms. Mimico Creek crosses Bloor Street near the Islington Subway Station. Finally, it empties into Lake Ontario. This spot is about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) west of where the Humber River meets the lake.
The Creek's Watery Neighborhood
The area that collects water for Mimico Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 77 square kilometers (30 square miles). It's located between two other important rivers: the Humber River to the east and Etobicoke Creek to the west.
Long ago, Mimico Creek had many smaller streams that flowed into it. The biggest of these was Bonar Creek. Most of these smaller streams were less than one kilometer long.
Fun Things to Do Near Mimico Creek
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a cool place called Humber Bay Park was built. This park is right at the mouth of Mimico Creek, where it meets Lake Ontario.
Exploring Humber Bay Park
The park has two land areas that stick out into the lake. These were made using extra dirt and materials from local building projects. Because of this, people sometimes get Mimico Creek mixed up with the Humber River. It's a great spot to visit and enjoy the outdoors!
