Hudson renovation project creating controversy

The mayor of Hudson argues the time has come for the city to upgrade its community centre.

However, a borrowing bylaw needs to be approved by citizens to allow Hudson to apply for a loan of up to $550,000 to fix the aging centre.

Some say the roof needs to be repaired – water leaks are common causing extensive damage – and the building isn’t adapted for people with limited mobility.

“Some of them are more urgent right now because we have water leaking, infiltration and everything,” Nicolas Pedneault, the town’s park and recreation director told Global News.

The building is decades old and hasn’t been maintained.

The electrical system needs to be overhauled and modernized with efficient LED lighting and the kitchen is dated and not up to code.

Pedneault told Global News the fire department warned the municipality about the kitchen.

The mayor says the borrowing bylaw doesn’t mean the renovations will actually cost half-a-million dollars –  the amount is a financial pad.

Hudson has also applied for a federal grant of $250,000 to help offset the costs.

Ed Prevost supports the upgrades but says not everyone is in favour of spending the tax dollars required to fix the building.

He says he can’t understand why anyone would oppose overhauling a centre that was built for residents.

“They’re trying to do everything to stop Hudson from progressing,” Prevost told Global News.

A public registry will be open for residents to sign on Tuesday. If more than 428 signatures are recorded, the mayor will have to resubmit a new borrowing bylaw or scuttle the renovation plans altogether.