''Obsolescence'' by Philippe Chevalier

Born in the heart of the industrial boom, in 1899, the hydroelectric power plant in Les Cèdres — known as the “Petit Pouvoir” — came to life to bring electricity to the Soulanges Canal.

(Jazz music begins)

At the time, Montreal was the gateway to the continent, and the Saint Lawrence River — via the canal — was its industrial lifeblood. Meanwhile, the noise of machines and grinding gears echoed across Africa and Asia, under Europe’s grip.

(Sound of a passing train)

1959. With the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in Beauharnois, time stood still for the Petit Pouvoir.

(Clock ticking slowly fades and slows)

Like the canal, the Petit Pouvoir sank into its own dark waters. It was sealed off, encased in a metal shell. Its only residents now: the winged patrol, and nests of swallows.

(Birdsong)

A jewel from a bygone era, now just a backdrop for weekend visitors.

(Sounds of bicycles whirring by)

Will it too disappear, like so many other witnesses of the past, into the catacombs and winding paths of history?

(Sound of gentle waves)