In last month’s article, I discussed how our city’s heritage is preserved and protected through Council designation of heritage significant properties and Heritage Conservation Districts (HCD), which are specific areas noted for their distinct heritage character and properties. I am honoured to represent such a heritage-rich community, with the largest concentration of heritage-significant properties and two protected HCDs, Meadowvale Village and Streetsville.
The story of Meadowvale Village began in 1819 when twenty-nine families, led by John Beatty and Joseph Cater, emigrated from New York State and settled in the current Village area. Prior to this, the Village area was a rich landscape valued and utilized by Indigenous communities.
The original Village proper is primarily situated at the intersection of Second Line West and Old Derry Road, adjacent to the Credit River, and the 2014 HCD boundary also includes the Meadowvale Conservation Area and the lands comprising Old Ridge Park, which historically contained agricultural buildings. The Village HCD Plan seeks to preserve and protect the distinct heritage character of the HCD.
A walk through Meadowvale Village today offers glimpses of our unique pioneer past and streetscapes almost frozen in time, which capture a scenic, mill-based village.
This rich history is also so beautifully preserved and captured at Terry Wilson’s Little Village—a replica of historic Meadowvale Village.
Terry Wilson, a lifelong Meadowvale Village resident, and his beloved mother, the late Rosemary Wilson, have dedicated many years to the creation of the Little Village. The Little Village contains re-creations of the mills, schoolhouse, train station, shops, and interior displays, which bring the past of Meadowvale Village back to life.
I will be hosting a drop Brad Butt in spring open house at Terry Wilson’s Little Village, and I hope you will join me for a visit to our historic and beautiful rural village community.
For more information on the Little Village, visit facebook.com/TerryWilsonsLittleVillage and for more information on Mississauga’s heritage resources, visit mississauga.ca/heritage.
Drop-In Spring Open House at Terry Wilson’s Little Village Saturday, May 10, 2025 7091 Pond Street, Mississauga (Little Village Location; no parking here) 10am to 12pm. Terry will be offering tours and sharing stories about the Little Village. Feel free to dress in 19th century clothing, to honour the history of Meadowvale Village More information at bradbutt.ca
