Hudson’s village, a regional gem

Voters in Les 7 Merveilles de Vaudreuil-Soulanges contest selected the town of Hudson as the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region’s most charming village centre, among a list of impressive contenders.

When she went up to accept the accolade on behalf of the town at an awards ceremony held on June 19, Hudson Mayor Elizabeth Corker invited those present to “shop in our boutiques and eat in our restaurants.”

The undeniably picturesque town, once voted a top place to live in Canada, is a draw for many visitors including the Hollywood studios that often chose the town as a film location due to its charm.

In addition to unique boutiques, gourmet and family style restaurants, and more than its share of churches – the town has five within its borders - Hudson is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who seek its walking trails, including those along the ongoing Sandy Beach project.

Others keep busy golfing, sailing or cross country skiing, while many Hudsonites seem to own dogs and enjoy walking them.

The village centre exudes country charm, though the installation of its first ever municipal sewage system has diminished the appeal with construction headaches for a short time, anyway.

For a “country town” Hudson has some impressive business credentials. It is home to the only English language professional theatre west of Montreal. The Village Theatre, situated in a historic train station, puts on quality, professional shows throughout its renowned summer season and beyond, while the equally well known Finnegan's antique market draws a crowd every Saturday during the summer.

Another Hudson jewel is the Greenwood Centre for Living History, where visitors can wander through the 276 year old historic home that is a treasure trove of local history.

Hudson is also home to Le Nichoir Bird Rehabilitation Centre, a refuge for sick or wounded birds. The centre may soon have a much more prominent new home on Hudson’s waterfront, as the town is considering donating land so that a world class refuge and education centre can be built in the future.

The town of Hudson was founded in June 1969 when the villages of Hudson, Hudson Heights and Como were merged.

The area is known for its many turn-of-the century houses that border to Lake of Two Mountains and the Ottawa River. River lore can also be heard at places like Greenwood, and the river can be traversed by taking the Hudson Oka Ferry.

The town made environmental history in 2001, when the Canadian Supreme Court upheld its right to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides on public and private property.

Perhaps what Hudson is best known for, however, is its community spirit. Like in many small towns, gossip is a favoured pastime, but Hudson residents pull together without fail to help fund efforts such as a palliative care home to be built in town in the coming years, to help a family whose home burned to the ground, or to help a woman struggling with a fatal disease.