News Releases

OSHAWA, September 15, 2008 – BMO Bank of Montreal today opened the doors of a new branch in the booming north area of Oshawa. The 5,000 square foot branch is located at 925 Taunton Road East. The branch features 12 private offices and the majority of lending and investment staff have been with the Bank of Montreal for over 20 years.

“We are extremely excited about the highly anticipated opening of our new branch in this prosperous, growing area of Oshawa,” said Aaron Naccarato, Branch Manager. “Our professional staff are looking forward to the opportunity to sit down with both new and existing customers and play a role in helping them to achieve their personal and business financial goals.”

“Oshawa boasts one of the fastest growing populations among Canada's large urban areas,” said Michael Gregory, Managing Director and Senior Economist for BMO Capital Markets. “Although suffering from the downshift in U.S. vehicle sales and industry restructuring, Oshawa is still home to some of the most productive vehicle assembly plants on the continent, which bodes well for the future. As well, Oshawa's strong, steady population growth is providing support for the local businesses that supply household goods and services, not to mention the local construction sector.”

Aaron's team of 17 employees include:

• Customer Service Representatives
• Financial Services Managers
• Wealth Management and Investment Professionals
• BMO Bank of Montreal Financial Planner
• Investment and Retirement Planning Professional
• BMO Nesbitt Burns� Investment Advisor
• A Commercial Account Manager, Deposit Services Manager and Cash Management Specialist

Hours of operation:

The branch is also equipped with three Instabank machines, including a drive-thru ABM, for your everyday financial transactions.

“Plus if you're one of the millions of AIR MILES collectors in Canada, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO,” said Bill Ogle, Personal Banking Area Manager. “No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem more quickly because we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit and credit card purchases, including online purchases, with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options,” he said.

In April, BMO Bank of Montreal enhanced its Mosaik Gold AIR MILES Reward Option, providing cardholders an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all AIR MILES flight redemptions worldwide.

The branch will hold a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, October 4, 2008.

- 30 -