The Town of Hudson is one step closer to owning Sandy Beach. On Friday, Mayor Chloe Hutchison announced on social media that the provincial government had approved a loan bylaw authorizing the purchase of the seven lots that make up Sandy Beach. “The decision ensures that Sandy Beach and its surrounding area will remain a public, natural space protected from commercial or residential development,” Hutchison wrote. It was welcome news to William Dueck, a volunteer with Save Sandy Beach, a grassroots organization that has been raising awareness and funds to protect the greenspace. “When the mayor sent me a text saying that it had been approved. There was just a big hurrah in our house,” he said. With taxes and financing costs, the land will cost Hudson taxpayers $9.6 million. The town has already earmarked $2 million from an accumulated surplus for the 40-year loan. In addition, there is the potential of $2 million from the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), which comes with the condition that the beach is accessible to the public, not just residents of Hudson. Dueck says he supports keeping the beach open to all. “We are not in the position of saying I’m allowed to be here, but you’re not,” he said. “That becomes essentially a gated community mentality, which I do not think Hudson wants to be known as.” Hutchison was not available for an interview but told CTV News that the next step would be to sign the ownership papers in 45 days. The town has also mandated the organization Nature-Action Québec to assist with a conservation plan for the area. Nina Burke, who frequently walks her dog near the beach, said she’s glad there’s finally a resolution after years of impasse between the town and the owners of the property. “To know that it now belongs to Hudson and it will be taken care of by Hudson, I was really hoping that that’s the way it would end,” she said. Fellow dog walker Nancy Patterson said she is glad the beach will finally be reopened, adding that it’s a place that encourages people to gather and enjoy nature. “You’re in the woods, you’re by the water, you meet your friends. It’s spiritual,” she said.
