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BMO Invests $1.3 million to Serve Kitchener's Growing CommunityBMO's new space is equipped to accommodate the needs of this growing city

KITCHENER, October 20, 2008 – BMO Bank of Montreal today opened the doors to a 6,000 square foot branch at Ottawa Street and Strasburg Road in Kitchener, Ontario. The branch has been relocated from the Laurentian Hills Shopping Centre at 720 Westmount Road.

“Our new location gives us visible presence in the neighbourhood and a more convenient location for our customers,” said Cathy Roberts, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We now have a larger space to accommodate our customers and offer more services and private offices. This enables us to efficiently meet their financial needs,” added Ms. Roberts.

The approach we take with all of our customers is aimed at ‘making money make sense' and we are committed to providing the clarity customers need to make sound financial decisions. This commitment has never been more relevant than it is now given today's economic realities.”

BMO's new space is equipped to accommodate the needs of this growing city.

”Kitchener's economy enjoys solid underpinnings, with unemployment below and incomes above the provincial and national benchmarks,” said Robert Kavcic, Economic Analyst. “Given its relatively young demographics, its highly regarded educational institutions, and its diversified industrial mix, the area should perform well over the medium term as the broader North American economy turns the corner. Once the current economic weakness passes, growth in the region is expected to exceed both the Ontario and Canadian rates through 2012”, added Mr. Kavcic.

Local residents can benefit from familiar faces and a knowledgeable staff who will provide each customer with a tailored banking experience.

Cathy's team of 12 employees include:

Customer Service Representatives
Financial Services Managers
BMO Bank of Montreal Financial Planner
Investment and Retirement Planning
Commercial Relationship Manager
BMO Nesbitt Burns� Investment Advisor

BMO's Kitchener branch offers longer hours and will operate from:

Monday to Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday & Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The branch is equipped with one Instabank machine for your everyday financial transactions as well as a drive-through ABM

“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 Anne Kozak, 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,” she 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, November 15, 2008.

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