News Releases
BMO Bank of Montreal, Canada’s oldest bank, is set to celebrate its 120th year anniversary in Regina, Saskatchewan. The event will commemorate BMO’s arrival in 1883 in what was then known as Pile o’ Bones Creek Crossing, and its subsequent role in helping to build the thriving modern community of today.
The first Regina BMO branch was officially opened on January 2, 1883, and was located on the corner of what is now Victoria Avenue and Lorne Street. It was the first chartered bank branch to be located anywhere in Canada west of Winnipeg. At the time the branch was set up, the local population consisted of approximately 700 people living in tents and shacks. However, that humble beginning quickly changed when the community was selected by the Canadian Government and the Canadian Pacific Railway to act as a commercial supply hub to service the needs of the increasing number of settlers arriving from eastern Canada and overseas.
“Although Regina has changed drastically since those days, the dedication of our employees has not. We are proud of the contributions we’ve made over the past 120 years, and remain committed to community partnership in the future,” said Susan Brown, Vice President, Saskatchewan Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This 120th anniversary celebration is a tribute to the more than 400 current BMO employees across the province, the thousands who have worked with us in the past, and the many, many, customers who have trusted us with their business and grown with us over the years.”
The celebration will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2003 at BMO’s head office located at 1800 Scarth Street. Highlights of the event will include a $20,000 donation from BMO to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, a presentation by Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco, and displays and mementos tracking BMO’s involvement in the community over the years.
BMO Bank of Montreal is a member of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), one of the largest financial services providers in North America. BMO Financial Group serves clients across Canada and in the United States through its Canadian retail arm, BMO Bank of Montreal, through its Chicago-based Harris Bank, a major U.S. mid-west financial services organization, and through BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of North America's leading full-service investment firms. BMO Bank of Montreal is one of the largest small business and agricultural sector lenders in Canada.
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