Hudson, Quebec, Canada, has a population of 4796 (2001 Census), and an area of approx. 7 kmē on the south bank of the Ottawa River, where it widens to form the Lake of Two Mountains.
A rural agglomeration since the early part of the 19th century, when the area was settled by English-speaking families who farmed large tracts bordering on the river, small centres sprang up at the landings of the Ottawa River steamships and, later, around the railway stations of Como, Hudson, Hudson Heights, Alstonvale and Choisi. These centre became the villages of Hudson, Hudson heights and Como which merged to form the Town of Hudson in July 1969.
Unlike the surrounding mainly French-speaking municipalities, Hudson has a majority English-speaking population (65% according to 2001 Census). A relatively wealthy town, Hudson is known for its large, turn-of-the century houses, many of which border the Lake of Two Mountains. A ferry from Hudson takes cars across the lake to the village of Oka.
The Town has three schools, of which two are Anglophone (Westwood Junior & Westwood Senior, formerly Hudson High School) and one Francophone (St-Thomas Elementary School), as well as four churches: one Catholic (St-Thomas), two Anglican (St-James & St-Mary's) and one United (Wyman).
Since Hudson is within commuting distance of Montreal, a part of the population works there. Hudson has, however, avoided becoming just another bedroom community by maintaining a number of local businesses, from stores and restaurants known throughout the Montreal area to numerous small businesses and consultants who choose to operate out of Hudson. As a result, the town's center bustles throughout the day but the small-town atmosphere is leavened by the proximity of the city of Montreal.
Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in preserving the historical character of the town. As a result, demolitions of houses along the lake must now be reviewed by council, the old hotel in the centre of town, the Chateau du Lac, has been renovated to restore it to its former appearance and the old Hudson Railway Station now houses a summer theatre while retaining its traditional look.
Hudson hasn't grown much over the last twenty years but ex-Hudsonites can be found around the world, often coming back to visit, particularly over the Labour Day week-end. It's the good memories.
With contributions from Wikipedia
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