Living in Mineola
Mineola is the most exclusive Mississauga neighbourhood. This forested enclave features large beautiful houses on premium lots. The streets are winding and lined with towering pine and oak trees. Nature is all around with conservation areas and Lake Ontario to the south. Mineola is part one of the last vestiges of Carolinian Forest in Ontario. This accounts for all the beautiful trees that this neighbourhood is known for including species of ash, birch, chestnut, hickory, oak, walnut and tulip trees.
This is a very convenient neighbourhood for commuters. The borders for this neighbourhood are the Queen Elizabeth highway to the north, Lakeshore Road to the south, Cawthra Road to the east and the Credit River to the west. The Lakeview neighbourhood is located just to the east and Port Credit just to the west. Missississuaga City Centre is located a short drive north while motorists can access the City of Toronto in less than 10 minutes.
History of Mineola
The name Mineola is derived from a First Nations word meaning “a pleasant village”. When you first set eyes upon Mineola you are captivated by its beauty. Stop for a minute, look around, and imagine what this residential forest would have looked like back in the late 17th century when the Mississauga’s, a band of the Ojibway first settled here along the banks of the Credit River. Food would haven been plentiful both in the water and on land. It must have been a difficult decision then in 1805, when the Mississauga sold most of their holdings in this area to the British crown. However, the Mississauga’s held onto one sliver of land consisting of a single mile on each side of the Credit River – that became known as the Credit Indian Reserve. In 1820 with encroaching development at their door step the remainder of the Reserve was sold and the Mississauga’s of the New Credit would move to a new home in Hagersville, Ontario.
The first British settlers were pioneer farmers who cleared the land and planted crops. Agriculture was the main activity in Mineola right up until the 1930s when the Queen Elizabeth Highway served as an impetus for land speculation and development. The development of Mineola took place in stages. By 1950 the majority of the houses and streets and infrastructure of this neighbourhood were in place. The introduction of GO train service in 1967 led to even further development with the last vacant lots being purchased for development.
Homes in Mineola
Mineola has everything from townhomes to mid-century bungalows and colonial revivals to custom designed estate homes. There is lots of variety but the one constant for all the detached homes is large lots which accounts for the higher valuations. The streetscape follows the natural contours of the land and is lined with a colour guard of mature trees which all add to the charm and beauty of the homes.
Lifestyle in Mineola
Mineola is a quiet family oriented community. It is also among the most exclusive and priciest enclaves in Mississauga. Most residents enjoy their big backyards and get in their car to drive places so there are not alot of opportunities to get out on the street and meet the neighbours which is typical of many affluent communities. Still, this is a tight knit community and the people are friendly. Mineola residents have been known to band together to champion causes that will impact the neighbourhood positively or challenge developments that do not fit the neighbourhood character.
If you want to get out shopping or are looking to dine out the closest destination is Port Credit Village just to the south and west. Mississauga City Centre is just a short 5 minute drive north on Hurontario Street. There are also a handful of small plazas nearby on Hurontario Street.
Recreation in Mineola
Carmen Corbasson Community Centre’s facilities are made up of a number of buildings located near the main intersection at Cawthra Rd and Q.E.W. Some of the Community Centre’s amenities include a climate controlled indoor walking track, a full size gymnasium, an active living studio, two indoor ice surfaces, and a 25 meter lane pool (located in the back of Cawthra Secondary School). Adjacent to the community centre is the Cawthra Woods Interpretive hiking trail which is a great place to learn about nature including the flora and fauna of the area, wetlands, bird species and animal habitat.
Arts in Mineola
Visual Arts Mississauga located at 4170 Riverwood Park Lane offers a myriad of arts classes and programs for children and adults.
Transportation in Mineola
MiWay has bus routes along Cawthra Road and Hurontario Street. Go Station train and bus service are close by in neighbouring Cookeville.
