The beloved morning show Salut Bonjour is ushering in a new era as it transitions from its long-standing home at 1600 boulevard de Maisonneuve to new studios on Frontenac street, a move that marks a significant chapter in its 38-year history.
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the last episode from the iconic Maisonneuve studios was broadcast, capturing the emotions of both the hosts and viewers as they bid farewell to a location that has been a cornerstone of Quebec's morning television for nearly four decades.
The relocation is not just a change of scenery; it is part of a broader strategy by Quebecor to consolidate its news sources. The new building on Frontenac street will house various media outlets, including the Journal de Montréal, TVA Nouvelles, and QUB Radio, aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs for the network.
As a tribute to the history of Salut Bonjour, the final episode featured a piano medley performed by Gregory Charles, accompanied by a nostalgic slideshow of memorable moments from past broadcasts. The show's new host, Ève-Marie Lortie, will welcome viewers to a revamped set starting Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6:30 AM, promising a fresh and exciting experience.
In an emotional farewell, Marie Andrée Leblond, the weather presenter, shared her reflections on her time in the Maisonneuve studios, stating, "An incalculable number of dreams have been born here... including mine. This iconic roof of TVA has been the beating heart of some of the most remarkable shows over the past 28 years. And for two months, it has been my playground, my school, my open-air office... and the witness to my first steps on Salut Bonjour. I experienced moments I will never forget: the most beautiful sunrises, countless laughs, wild tech discoveries, and a ton of coffee... and above all, an incredible bond with my partner in crime, my cameraman Laurent."
This heartfelt message encapsulated the sentiment shared by many as the team prepared to leave a place filled with cherished memories. The Maisonneuve studios will soon undergo renovations to be converted into 600 apartments, a development welcomed amid the ongoing housing crisis in the area.
Ève-Marie Lortie, who has been hosting Salut Bonjour since 2024, was also featured in a poignant video shared on social media, where she was seen closing the doors to the old studio, symbolizing the end of an era. Her presence has been well-received by viewers, and the anticipation for the new set is palpable.
Interestingly, many people mistakenly believe that Guy Mongrain was the first host of Salut Bonjour. In reality, the inaugural episode aired on September 5, 1988, with Matthias Rioux and Anne Poliquin at the helm. Claude Saucier took over from 1989 to 1991, followed by Mongrain, who hosted from 1991 until 2004. Benoit Gagnon then stepped in for three years, and Gino Chouinard led the show from 2007 until 2024.
The transition to the new studios is not just a physical move; it represents a significant moment in the show's legacy, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of television. As the team prepares for this new chapter, viewers are left wondering what surprises await them in the coming episodes.
With a promise of the same passion, excitement, and camaraderie, the team at Salut Bonjour is ready to embrace this new beginning. "Bring your coffee... we’ll take care of the rest," Leblond quipped, signaling that while the setting may have changed, the essence of the show remains the same.
As the clock ticks down to the premiere of the new episodes, fans of Salut Bonjour are encouraged to tune in on Monday at 6:30 AM on TVA to witness the fresh start of their favorite morning show. The anticipation builds as viewers look forward to a new set, new surprises, and the same familiar faces that have brightened their mornings for years.
This momentous change not only marks a new chapter for Salut Bonjour but also highlights how television continues to adapt and grow in response to the needs of its audience. As the show steps into its new home, it carries with it the history, memories, and dreams of those who have made it a staple of Quebec's morning routine.
In a world where change is constant, Salut Bonjour stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of community and connection through television.
