The Town of Hudson regrets to inform the public that Sandy Beach will be closed for the entire 2024 summer season. This decision has been made due to the current inaccessibility of the trails leading to the beach, which traverse private property.
The Town is committed to ensuring that public access to the beach aligns with environmental standards, particularly given the sensitive ecological nature of the area, including riparian buffer strips, wetlands, and dense wooded regions. Therefore, a thorough assessment is currently underway.
To this end, the Town has engaged SAGIE Inc. to characterize the environment and provide recommendations for trail development. This study will examine ecological and water characteristics to determine whether the project requires authorization from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MECP).
Upon receipt of recommendations, contracts will be awarded for the development of plans and specifications for new facilities. These plans, along with proposed work, will be subject to review and approval by the MECP. Subsequent contract awards and pathway configuration are contingent upon this approval, which may introduce delays.
In the meantime, the Town will implement measures to uphold private property rights, including a draft by-law prohibiting parking near former beach access points, to be discussed at the upcoming Municipal Council meeting on May 6th. Signage will also be installed to notify the public of the beach closure while promoting alternative visitor activities.
Hudson boasts a diverse range of tourism offerings, and the Town remains committed to showcasing its attractions to all visitors. However, due to the involvement of various partners, including the MECP, in the approval process for the new pathway, a specific reopening date for Sandy Beach cannot be provided at this time.
The Town expresses its gratitude to the public for adhering to the new signage and for contributing to the preservation of this ecologically valuable site.
