Since March 11, access to Sandy Beach in Hudson has been prohibited. The owner of the site has installed concrete barriers at several access points, preventing citizens from using the beach.

The Town of Hudson confirms that these barriers were installed by private owners and are not on town-owned land.

"It should be noted that the owner of this private property has full rights; the easement registered in 2007 only concerned public use of a portion of the beach; it does not include access to the beach," said Marie-Jacinthe Roberge, Director General of the Town of Hudson.

Trails providing access to the beach are also located on private land.

In the last few years, this popular site for bathers and hikers has been at the heart of numerous discussions and claims. The owner of the land on which the beach is located was planning to build some 214 housing units. A permit to fill in the wetlands had been issued in 2014. Given the slow pace of the project, the permit was revoked in March 2023.

A new trail

At the same time, the Town of Hudson is considering the construction of a new trail to link the town property to the beach area covered by the easement, without encroaching on private land.

"At this stage, however, it is impossible to give a timeframe for completion," adds Ms. Roberge.

Asked whether any legal steps had been taken, the general manager points out: "Unfortunately, the city cannot comment on any steps taken to negotiate with the private landowner, as this matter is currently in litigation."