Châteauguay, Que., unveils new permanent outdoor events stage

Châteauguay, Que., unveils new permanent outdoor events stage

Stage will be covered and will be open in time for Quebec’s Fête nationale celebrations

A new permanent outdoor stage is set to become the centrepiece of summer entertainment in Châteauguay.

Located in the downtown core of the city on Montreal's South Shore, behind the library and cultural centre, the new installation will be able to host concerts, festivals and cultural events beginning this summer.

City officials say the stage represents a major step forward for Châteauguay’s cultural scene.

“It brings the city together, it brings the citizens together,” said Mayor Éric Allard. “We see it every summer, people are happy with everything that’s organized by the city and they participate more and more."

The mayor also highlighted the importance of the stage’s central location in the city.

“People can come walking here or biking,” Allard said. “We have other sites that people will, you know, unless they use their car, they cannot reach it.”

The project was made possible with support from CMP, a Châteauguay-based company that has been rooted in the community for more than 50 years.

“When you’re an enterprise founded in Châteauguay, it’s a nice way to give back and say thank you to the city for supporting us,” said Emilie St-Denis, health and wellness manager and community involvement lead at CMP. “It’s a nice way for us to give back to the community.”

The venue will officially open during Quebec’s Fête nationale celebrations on June 24 with performances by Robert Charlebois and Marie-Annick Lépine. Canada Day festivities on July 1 will feature the return of the Boogie Wonder Band after last year’s weather-related cancellation.

The stage will also host the city’s free “Thursdays in Music” concert series, featuring tribute acts and local performers throughout July and August.

Festival Rivéo will also be back for a second edition from Aug. 14 to 16, bringing live music, arts, family activities and a new midway attraction to the space. Organizers are also adding lights in the nearby trees to enhance the festival atmosphere after dark.

Officials say the new stage can host about 8,000 spectators, with more possible during special events.

Chris Kurys is a journalist covering the Montérégie region of Quebec, including the communities of Châteauguay, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Brossard, Que. Chris has an office space in Châteauguay and can be reached at chris.kurys@cbc.ca.