Artist Camille Deschênes-Côté installed giant colorful letters at the Vieux-Quai in Sept-Îles to commemorate the city's 75th anniversary [1].

The public art piece serves as a tribute to the local community and its historical evolution. By transforming the downtown waterfront, the installation creates a visual landmark that connects the city's past with its current identity.

Sept-Îles was officially incorporated as a city in 1951 [2]. The 2026 celebrations mark 75 years [1, 3] since the municipality received its designation as a "cité" [1]. This milestone recognizes the growth and development of the region over seven decades.

The installation is located at the Vieux-Quai, a central point in downtown Sept-Îles, Quebec [1, 2]. The use of large-scale lettering is intended to celebrate the collective memory of residents, and the specific history of the port city.

Local officials and residents have gathered around the Vieux-Quai to acknowledge the anniversary. The project by Deschênes-Côté emphasizes the importance of public art in fostering civic pride during significant municipal milestones [1].

“The installation is located at the Vieux-Quai, a central point in downtown Sept-Îles, Quebec.”

The use of large-scale public art to mark a 75-year municipal anniversary reflects a broader trend in urban planning where cities use visual landmarks to reinforce community identity. By anchoring the celebration at the Vieux-Quai, Sept-Îles links its economic history as a port with its cultural future.