From October 17 to 19, East Gwillimbury celebrated a defining moment in its growth: the grand opening of the Health & Active Living Plaza (HALP) in Queensville.
A first-of-its-kind facility in the area, HALP brings together recreation, wellness, community engagement, and lifelong learning, right in the heart of one of the fastest-growing regions in York.
This milestone weekend was not only a showcase of incredible amenities but also a tribute to the vision, collaboration, and community spirit that brought it all to life.
Friday, October 17: A Community Celebration to Remember
The weekend kicked off with an opening celebration filled with energy, excitement, and heartfelt moments. Residents from across East Gwillimbury gathered to explore the new facility, enjoy free entertainment, and connect with neighbours and local partners.
The celebrations were proudly sponsored by the Queensville Group, whose support helped bring this landmark event and the facility itself to life.
Highlights of the day included:
Official ribbon cutting and greetings from the Mayor and Grand Opening Sponsor (The Group)
A moving welcome from the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, including a smudging ceremony and drumming social
Guided tours of the HALP facility and an introduction to staff and program partners
Complimentary BBQ, food trucks, and a nostalgic ice cream truck experience
Lifeguard demonstrations, entertainment, and exciting giveaways for families
The evening also included a proud moment for the builders and development partners who helped bring this vision to life. During the opening ceremony, commemorative plaques were presented to:
Laura De Gasperis – CountryWide Homes
Freddy DeGasperis – Aspen Ridge Homes
Natalie Guadagnoli – Lakeview Homes
These plaques recognized their contributions to the creation of a community-first amenity that will serve generations of East Gwillimbury residents.
Saturday & Sunday: Full Access to Health, Play & Connection
The festivities continued across the weekend with free drop-in access to every part of the HALP. Residents of all ages took part in recreational programs, wellness classes, and exploratory activities designed to highlight the centre’s all-season value.
From toddlers to seniors, there was truly something for everyone:
Aquatic Centre
Lap pool, Leisure & Learning Pool and Hydrotherapy Pool
Aquafit and public swims
Women-only swim, relax, and splash sessions
Swim assessments for families and new members
Gymnasium
-2nd floor track, Fitness Studio, sport courts
Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and pickleball
Matrix of Motion Fitness Centre
Group fitness classes
Cardio and strength training
Meet-and-greet with the team and membership info
Pod Program Spaces
Preschool classes, arts & crafts, healthy living workshops, and wellness activities
Indoor Nature-Themed Play Space
Drop-in play with hands-on exploration for kids
A New Chapter for Learning: The Queensville Branch Library
As part of the weekend celebration, the brand-new Queensville Branch of the East Gwillimbury Public Library also opened its doors. This modern, vibrant space is more than just a library, it’s a welcoming hub of imagination, creativity, and curiosity.
Families explored:
The Seek and Find Challenge: A fun self-guided adventure
MakerSpace Studio demos and design sessions with local creators
Hands-on art activities for all ages
Teen gaming zones and chillout spaces
Character storytime adventures and sensory-friendly corners
Residents were also able to sign up for their library card and take home a welcome giveaway.
HALP, Queensville & The Future of Community Living
The HALP grand opening wasn’t just another ribbon-cutting.
It marked something bigger; East Gwillimbury is growing in the right direction. With a focus on wellness, connection, and everyday quality of life, Queensville is becoming more than a neighbourhood. It’s a place where families can truly settle in, grow, and thrive.
The HALP outdoor park space is expected to be completed in 2026 which includes an extension of outdoor recreational activities for the community to enjoy, including a splash pad, beach volleyball, skate park & more! And now, with this incredible community hub just down the street, living in Queensville means having access to top-tier recreation, learning, and wellness programs without leaving your neighbourhood.
Whether you're looking for a townhome or a detached family home, Queensville gives you room to live well, and the community to back it up.
Check out the neighbourhood, browse home models, or visit our resources page for pricing and incentives. Ready to learn more?
Contact us, we’d love to show you around.