Sainte-Marthe, September 21, 2026 — More than 140 guests, partners, elected officials, employees, and community members gathered on September 11 at the Auberge des Gallant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Coop-CSUR. This evening, filled with emotion, gratitude, and pride, highlighted two decades of achievements that have helped transform the economic, social, and digital landscape of Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

Under the theme of a journey through time, participants revisited the major milestones that have shaped the organization’s history. From its bold beginnings in the telecommunications sector to the development of the Marché Écolocal and the many community projects undertaken over the years, this retrospective highlighted the full scope of a vision rooted in cooperation and innovation.

“For 20 years, CSUR has demonstrated that it is possible to carry out ambitious projects when we place the needs of communities at the heart of our actions. What sometimes seemed impossible has become a reality thanks to the commitment of hundreds of people who believed in our mission,” emphasized CSUR President Réjean Sauvé during his opening remarks.

A Story of Founders

During the evening, several tributes were paid to those who have contributed to the organization’s growth.

In particular, the president highlighted the pivotal role played by the founders, volunteers, board members, employees, partners, and citizens who have enabled CSUR to continue growing over the years.

Today, CSUR’s Connec-T Network serves ten municipalities in the region and spans nearly 250 kilometers of fiber-optic cable. The organization has played a major role in bringing high-speed Internet access to several rural communities that had previously been underserved.

A Partnership That Also Nourishes the Community

The evening also served to highlight the evolution of the Marché Écolocal, a project born out of a desire to support local producers while making it easier for residents to access high-quality regional products.

Over the years, this initiative has become a true showcase for buying local, particularly through its online store, its neighborhood grocery store in Les Coteaux, its Mobile Farmers’ Market, its local display stands, and its services for local businesses and institutions.

A Tribute to Exemplary Commitment

One of the most moving moments of the evening was, without a doubt, the appointment of Claudette Bélanger as the 2026 CSUR Ambassador. A longtime employee who has been a dedicated volunteer since her retirement, Ms. Bélanger was honored for her remarkable contribution, professionalism, generosity, and ongoing commitment to the organization.

“Claudette perfectly embodies the values that have guided us for 20 years: mutual support, respect, collaboration, and a commitment to a job well done. Her contributions have left a lasting mark on our organization,” said Mr. Sauvé during the official presentation of the ambassador’s pin.

Looking Toward the Future

In her closing remarks, Executive Director Isabelle Mercier noted that CSUR’s first twenty years have laid a solid foundation on which to build the future. Faced with the challenges ahead, the cooperative intends to build on this momentum by focusing on collaboration, innovation, and community engagement to develop unifying projects rooted in the values of the social economy and generating lasting benefits.

“Ultimately, Coop-CSUR is living proof that collective entrepreneurship works. It serves as a model for Vaudreuil-Soulanges and, I dare say, a model for all of Quebec,” emphasized Philippe Roy, Director of Planning and Regional Issues at Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

Sincere Thanks

CSUR would like to extend a warm thank you to all the participants who contributed to the success of this anniversary celebration, as well as to its valued partners: Auberge des Gallant, Desjardins Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Promutuel, Sintérix, and Parangon.

The organization also thanks the producers and artisans who provided the gifts given to guests—Ferme Les Petites Écores, Le Domaine du Paysan, and Sel et Caramel—as well as the many volunteers and members of the organizing committee whose dedication helped make this event a memorable occasion.

Twenty years after its founding, CSUR remains more committed than ever to its mission: to mobilize local resources to develop innovative, sustainable, and forward-looking collective solutions for the communities of Vaudreuil-Soulanges.