News Releases
Vernon, BC, May 25, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal today opened its new branch in Vernon, making it the first BMO branch in British Columbia to receive electricity from Bullfrog Power. The new full-service branch in Vernon is a relocation of an older branch less than 200 metres down the road. The new location is 2806 – 32nd Street.
BMO's new branches in British Columbia are now a part of the bank's Green Energy Initiative which includes new branches in Alberta and Ontario that are bullfrog-powered. BMO is committed to purchase over 8,300 megawatt hours of emission free electricity annually - generated from clean, renewable sources like wind power and low-impact hydro.
“We are proud to continue our long tradition of serving customers in the Vernon community,” said Betty Gaudet, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. The Vernon branch of Bank of Montreal first opened in 1892 and served the entire Okanagan Valley down to Grand Forks. “With our dedicated team of 30 financial professionals, were motivated to deliver exceptional customer service,” added Ms. Gaudet.
"Current market conditions and BMO's recent mortgage rate reductions create a favourable environment for customers looking to buy a home," said Ms. Gaudet. For first-time homebuyers, BMO has introduced the BMO First Home Essentials Kit which provides a step-by-step guide for entering the real estate market.”
For added convenience, the new branch features two ABMs for everyday financial transactions and includes a full-service drive-thru ABM, as well as ample parking for customers.
Branches hours of operation
Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“Vernon has been able to weather the current recession relatively well thanks to its diverse economic base,” said Robert Kavcic, Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “Longer term, the city and surrounding Okanagan regions are considered top retirement destinations, which should drive growth as the Canadian population continues to age.”
“If you're one of the millions of AIR MILES collectors in Canada, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO,” said Sean Armstrong, Vice-President, BC Interior, North & Yukon District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “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,” Mr. Armstrong added.
BMO Bank of Montreal in Vernon
BMO Financial Group has played an active role in the Vernon community since 1892 when it opened in the Schubert Block. The branch's new location at 28th Avenue and 32nd Street marks the fourth location for BMO in Vernon. BMO annually donates to the United Way of the North Okanagan and employees in Vernon give generously of their time to fundraise for: Silver Lake Forest Education Society-Camp for Kids, Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life, Christmas Food and Toy Drive to support local families,
Sunshine Dreams for Kids Foundation, B.C Children's Hospital and the Vernon Restholm Society.
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