Hudson 2021–2025: A Mayoral Reflection

As Hudson’s 2021–2025 Council term draws to a close, here are some reflections on the ground covered, the challenges faced, and the foundations now in place for the future.

These four years have brought forward both change and renewal. Council and staff navigated transitions, strengthened systems, clarified tools, and improved how the Town serves residents. As leadership evolved and expectations rose, our commitment to Hudson held steady.

Local government rarely makes headlines, meanwhile the work continues behind the scenes—quiet, practical, and deeply important. This requires great care: for people, for place, and for the principles that shape fair and thoughtful decisions. This term has been about laying a stronger foundation—more transparent processes, clearer plans, and a culture of listening and looking ahead.

From the start, Council set out to build a more open and responsive relationship with residents. Whether through fuller answers at meetings, one-on-one conversations, or weekly updates, the goal remained the same: honest dialogue where people are seen and heard.

Hudson’s voice also grew stronger regionally. The mayor represented the Town at the regional municipal county, housing, and economic development boards, the regional arts and culture council, and chaired the metropolitan area’s first commission on culture and heritage—ensuring Hudson’s interests are heard and its values reflected in higher-level development plans.

For the next 10 years, Council has adopted key plans for green space, cultural development, and natural area conservation—each shaped by public input and designed to guide future councils.

To address long-standing concerns about safety and traffic, a Circulation Committee was established early in the term, bringing structure and continuity to mobility management.

Together, these efforts reflect a shift from reactive to proactive governance, rooted in collaboration and foresight.

Council continues to strive to bring greater clarity and stability to the Town’s finances. Early surpluses were used to accelerate road resurfacing while preserving intergenerational equity and limiting long-term debt.

As property values climbed by 35–40% in 2025, following a 25% rise in 2021, the mill rate was reduced to keep annual tax increases aligned with inflation, not market assessments.

Though not without its challenges—staffing gaps and audit delays among them—guidance from the auditor and the Quebec municipal commission have led to stronger internal controls and clearer practices. With a new treasurer and director general now in place, Hudson is better equipped to plan and manage responsibly.

Hudson’s identity is shaped by its people—residents and the staff who serve them.

The Town’s collective agreement with unionized staff is being renegotiated with a focus on fairness and service. Completion is expected by October 2025.

The Seniors’ Committee, launched through the Seniors’ Policy early in the term, continues to foster well-being—offering speaker events, volunteer recognition, and an annual fair for older residents.

Services to residents have improved, with more personalized reception at Town Hall, online service request tracking, and proactive communication through council meetings, newsletters, and the Hudson Voice updates.

Hudson’s natural beauty is central to its identity. Since 2021, Council has adopted stronger environmental protections, guiding development away from ecologically sensitive areas. Striking the right balance between conservation and renewal remains an ongoing focus.

The Environment Committee was restored in 2023, building on the work of the Conservation Working Group the year before. Two full-time staff now oversee environmental protection, from tree-felling reviews to pesticide monitoring.

Strategic land acquisitions—like the Charleswood trail connector, land behind the Palliative Care Home, and parcels near Bellevue and Parsons for non payment of taxes — help secure ecological corridors and wetlands that define Hudson’s landscape. 

The Town’s first Conservation Plan and Action Plan for the entire territory of Hudson, adopted August 4, 2025, identifies three major biodiversity corridors as essential to a thriving environment.

Council has shifted residential development away from previously undeveloped natural areas toward zones better suited for renewal—reinforcing Hudson’s urban fabric while preserving its natural character.

New tools, including the right of first refusal and the discretionary powers set in law, have helped the Town regain leadership on housing affordability, heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability. 

Closer collaboration with developers has also yielded better results, including an approved redesign for 498 Main, set to start in fall 2025.

As this Council’s term ends, a new chapter begins. Following the 2025 election, the composition of Council will undoubtedly change—some members may return, others will step aside, and new voices will emerge.

Local government is about more than meetings and motions. It’s about showing up, listening, and making decisions that help a community thrive. It demands humility, trust, and a commitment to the collective good.

To all who served with heart and integrity—thank you. And to every resident who asked a question, shared an idea, or voiced a concern—your participation shaped this work.

As Hudson turns the page, may more residents feel inspired to serve. Even in a time of quick takes and sharp judgment, our greatest strength remains our human connections—through conversation, collaboration, and a shared love for Hudson.

In gratitude,
Chloe Hutchison