The day after Quebec's Fête nationale, the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield invited dignitaries to the official inauguration of a brand-new outdoor work of art on Victoria Street East. The work was created by the Association Valédar, whose members hail from the Suroît region. 

The official unveiling of this imposing work of art, which takes its place on the edge of the bicycle path near the intersection of rue Salaberry Ouest, took place in the presence of several dignitaries. The Mayor of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Miguel Lemieux, and city councillor France Chenail were present, as were the representative of the MNA for Salaberry-Suroît, Claude DeBefeuille, Steve Hickey, and MNA Claude Reid, who was accompanied for the occasion by his political attaché Sylvain Leblanc. 

Several of the artists who took part in the project were also on hand to see the final result and admire the work in its entirety. The work comprises a wooden module supporting five doors painted on both sides.

In all, ten Valédar member artists contributed their talents to this project, whose title is: Ouverture sur la Ville and whose theme is: "A corner of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield."  

Participating artists are: 

- Manon Langevin; 
- Réjean Lacroix; 
- Alain Martel; 
- Mario Martel; 
- Louise Laforme; 
- Lise Laniel; 
- Michèle Lemay; 
- Nicole Daignault; 
- Ghyslaine Payant; 
- Francine Gagné. 

"I love our city, because it's full of beautiful places that are highlighted in the works on display in this unique project. We are fortunate in that our city is home to many artists and photographers who love to immortalize it through their respective talents. The positioning of the work encourages visitors and citizens to enter the city. It's located near the Old Canal, where many people walk or cycle. I hope people will be able to make it their own," says Mayor Miguel Lemieux.  

According to the Valédar Association, represented at the press conference by Ghislaine Payant, the project "will allow our city to pass through the 150 years since it was founded, to take stock of how far we've come and to look to the future. The gates provide a gateway to the rest of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield's history, a passageway from one part of the city to another, a privileged access to our fellow citizens. Opening a door to welcome new citizens, to welcome those who have built our city and thus open up to several generations. Opening a door to welcome visitors to our beautiful town, of which the Campivalensian community has every reason to be proud. Opening up to other cultures, to the world through our businesses and our visitors." 

In addition to admiring the doors, visitors to the outdoor exhibition will be able to learn more about the artists' approach and sources of inspiration by scanning a QR code. This will redirect them to an Internet page containing all relevant information on this artistic approach. 

One of the participating artists, Réjean Lacroix, lives in Pincourt and told Néomédia that he spent some 30 hours working on his piece. "It's the fruit of a great deal of thought," he began, before inviting the curious to come and find out more about his approach and inspiration.  

Interested parties can admire the work until October, when it will be removed from its current location. Thereafter, the doors can be sold to art lovers, businesses or installed in public buildings. Proceeds from the sale will go to the door's artist.