COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
A view of the lake from Hudson
Located just 45 minutes west of downtown Montreal, Hudson is a picturesque semi- rural community nestled on the shores of the Lake of Two Mountains. The bilingual town has a rich and well- preserved history dating back to 1865. Due to its location on the water, it’s no surprise that the community is known for its natural beauty.
“Our many walking trails will keep you active and social,” said Coun. Natalie Best. “A great percentage of our citizens can be found there jogging, or walking the family dog.
“We’re known to be animal lovers, so along the trails you’ll find community- provided waste bags for the dogs to help keep our environment clean.”
If hiking isn’t for you, don’t worry; you still won’t struggle to keep active. The town’s 5,100 residents enjoy multiple golf clubs, a yacht club and tennis club with a rich history, and a wide variety of other programs to keep them busy year- round.
“There are junior programs available at all three,” Best said. “Regardless of being a member, juniors can access sailing programs for a small premium at the yacht club; the junior golf program also allows parents access on a social basis, and the tennis club offers
both competitive and amateur programs.”
Culturally, Hudson is an oasis. In fact, it’s often referred to as an artists’ community.
“We’re blessed with a music club, theatre groups, visual artists, a fine crafter association and performing- arts venue,” said Coun.
Deborah Woodhead. “Live theatre productions are performed in the Hudson Village Theatre and Jack Layton Park, and film buffs can enjoy movies there, too.”
Each August, locals and tourists alike get to take in live music organized by the Hudson Music Festival.
And in October you can find yourself enchanted by the many talented authors who give live readings of their works.
These annual events have been organized by the team at Hudson’s Greenwood Centre for Living History for the last 14 years.
Culturally, Hudson is an oasis. In fact, it’s often referred to as an artists’ community.
With all of these programs and activities, it’s no surprise that a number of young families have been moving to the neighbourhood in recent years. That said, Hudson does have a higher than average population of seniors.
“You’d be surprised by how active they are,” Best said. “You can find them playing tennis, curling, sailing, active in bridge tournaments, and engaging in fundraising.”
In terms of daily life, Hudson has worked hard to keep its community green, and agriculture has always been an important part of its heritage. Now, new groups such as the Hudson Food Collective will strive to ensure community farming will thrive in town.
“As a part of our strategic plan, we aim to work with such groups to encourage and support sustainable micro- farming projects,” Coun. Best said. “Hudson is home to spectacular dahlias grown for commercial distribution, as well as an organic apple orchard that’s part of the storybook charm here.”
With a dynamic downtown core including first- class restaurants and specialty boutiques selling a large concentration of fair- trade products from all over the world, Hudson is proud of its somewhat unique business centre. In 2015, it was named Fair Trade Town of the Year by Canadian Fair Trade Network, making it only the 21st community in Canada to receive the designation. This achievement was only possible because locals came together to support local businesses, Woodhead said.
“Hudson is defined by its level of volunteerism and community spirit,” she explained. “When moving to Hudson, there are many opportunities to become an active member of the town.”
Counted among the many local businesses is a unique centre called Le Nichoir.
The well- known bird rehabilitation centre, which will be operating year- round as of this year, is among the must- discover organizations in Hudson.
“Visiting is an educational experience for old and young alike,” Coun. Woodhead said. “We are very proud of their efforts.”
In terms of real estate, Hudson has a healthy mix of housing, from stunningly large homes on expansive plots of land to humble and cosy cottages.
For instance, a 2001 six- bedroom family home on d’Oxford St. is currently listed for $ 1.45 million. And a three- bedroom bungalow on a 30,359- square- foot lot on Birch Hill St. is going for $ 319,000.
“There is a new condo development in the core of the village, offering 12 units, which should be on the market by next summer,” Woodhead said.
“There’s also a new apartment complex that has recently been built. Both projects are within walking distance of everything citizens might need.”
The same can be said for most of the village core, as it’s easily accessible on foot or by bicycle by the majority of residents.
With access to the water and lovely natural surroundings, a lively cultural scene, and warm village feeling, it’s no wonder more young families are seeking homes in Hudson.
“There’s something for everyone here,” Woodhead said. “It’s a special community.”