Whether you’re a longtime resident of Meadowvale or simply an occasional visitor, there’s no denying the immeasurable growth that the area has experienced over the years. 

From modern and one-of-a-kind parks (that happen to be the talk of the city!) to booming businesses and residential neighbourhoods, Meadowvale features both the hustle and bustle of a big city and the cozy comforts that only a small town can offer. 

Not familiar with the Meadowvale area? We’ve rounded up six reasons why you should stop by and check it out yourself. 

1. Lake Aquitaine

This stunningly beautiful hot spot is a must-see for anyone looking to enjoy some free, outdoor fun. On any average day at Lake Aquitaine, you’ll find young families strolling around the many connecting pathways surrounding the lake, fitness fanatics running, biking and taking advantage of the scattered built-in exercise equipment and bird watchers calling to the vast array of feathered friends who call the lake home. Lake Aquitaine also boasts a fishing dock, quaint bridges, many picnic tables and impeccable landscaping. 

2. The ever-changing Meadowvale Town Centre

Locals might remember the early days – when Meadowvale Town Centre was just a tiny mall with a library, a few stores and an absurdly large food court (although there was a Wal-Mart at one point). Nowadays, the Centre features sit-down restaurants, a multicultural spread of fast food joints, independent shops, high-end salons and even a boutique cupcake shop. You can literally find anything and everything at MTC – just ask any local resident (and hey – if none of that interests you, there’s always Tim Hortons).

3. New and improved community centre

Meadowvale Community Centre, which originally opened in 1982, has been closed since July 2014 while undergoing extensive renovations. The City of Mississauga has reported that progress is on schedule for the redesigned community centre to open in the fall of 2016. The new and improved location will feature larger fitness program areas, a new gym, new meeting rooms and space and a new therapeutic pool. The Meadowvale Library will also be moved to the location, making all forms of recreation more accessible for local residents and visitors alike. Details can be found on the official Meadowvale Community Centre Redevelopment site. 

4. Innovative parks

It’s no secret that Meadowvale is doing parks right. Take the one just off the Lake Wabukayne Trail, tucked in behind St. Elizabeth Seton School, for example, with built-in fitness benches and equipment for adults right beside the fun stuff for kids. Or the Lake Aquitaine Park that features the first Expression Swing in Canada – a swing with dual seating that allows child and adult to swing together, face-to-face. The newest addition to the community, nestled at Tenth Line and Aquitaine Avenue and set to open by the end of summer 2016, will feature a skate park, playground, adult fitness equipment, a water feature for cooling, a revamped toboggan hill, games tables, a multi-purpose area for basketball and skating and more. Seriously – it’ll have everything.

5. Arts & culture

Meadowvale is home to a pretty vibrant arts & culture scene, thanks in large part to the Meadowvale Theatre. And it’s no surprise that the theatre is familiar with sell-out shows as its performances range from music and theatre to magic and comedy. Guests of all ages and cultural backgrounds can find something familiar to connect with while experiencing something brand new at the same time. It may be local to Meadowvale, but the theatre clearly boasts citywide appeal.

6. Big city development meets small town vibes

Driving down any main road in Meadowvale gives the distinct impression of city life. Big, built up plazas at every intersection, busy streets and people everywhere. On summer nights, you hear music blaring from restaurant patios, and parking lots are always full. But just beyond those packed roadways is a subdivision with a little family-run bakery at a random corner, or a brood of ducklings following their mom across a quiet pathway. Big trees shade most of the residential streets and the area is packed with an abundance of parks, playgrounds and pathways. There’s a feeling of already knowing the people you meet while out and about, and for longtime locals, there’s a good chance that elementary school friends work at the nearby restaurants, shops and other businesses. For many, it’s the perfect mix of two very different worlds.

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