News Releases

• Personal banking professionals can provide financial services advice in seven languages. A full range of planning, investment and retirement planning services provided by experienced wealth management professionals
• The commercial team includes highly skilled and knowledgeable Agri-banking experts, deposit services managers and cash management specialists
• BMO offers SmartSteps for Business, an online tool that provides advice for small and medium-sized business owners to make their business banking more efficient and help boost productivity as Canada emerges from the recession

ABBOTSFORD, BC, May 3, 2010 - BMO Bank of Montreal today opened a new state-of-the-art branch at 32988 South Fraser Way in Abbotsford, replacing the older branch 2.1 kilometres away at 33757 South Fraser Way.

"BMO is committed to expanding its presence in British Columbia and providing an exceptional customer experience," said Joanne Gassman, District Vice-President, Personal Banking, Vancouver Suburban, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Abbotsford residents will have access to expert financial advice, whether it's planning for retirement or finding the right mortgage solution. New and existing customers can come in and learn about becoming mortgage-free faster with BMO's new five-year low-rate fixed closed mortgage at 4.35 per cent," added Ms. Gassman.

Additionally, in January, BMO launched SmartSteps for Business, an online tool which allows business owners to assess their banking needs and create a customized plan that includes: managing cash, banking and daily operations, tips for investing, and financial needs that go beyond their business.

"With over 130 years of combined agricultural experience within BMO's Agri-banking team, we understand the cycles, the challenges and the opportunities that producers in the Fraser Valley's agricultural industry face," said Dave Dieleman, Commercial Banking Manager, Agriculture for BMO Bank of Montreal.

Customers in the new Abbotsford Main Branch can expect:

• A highly experienced team of in-house personal banking experts including mortgage specialists and investment and retirement advisors from BMO Bank of Montreal, BMO Nesbitt Burns and BMO Harris Private Banking;
• Access to commercial account, lending and deposit services and solutions including Agri-banking experts;
• Two Instabank automated banking machines (ABMs) accessible 24/7, featuring a drive thru ABM and;
• Full wheelchair accessibility.

"Our customers can be sure they will be met by a knowledgeable professional who will sit down and help them understand our products and services, so they can confidently make the right decisions with their money," said Ms. Gassman. "We are committed to providing every one of our customers with the best banking experience."

BMO's Abbotsford Branch's hours of operation are:

Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm

BMO's Corporate Social Responsibility in the Fraser Valley

BMO Bank of Montreal plays an active role in the Fraser Valley. The bank donates to numerous local charitable organizations each year including: The United Way of the Fraser Valley, the University of the Fraser Valley, and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

BMO's new branch in Abbotsford is part of a green energy initiative. BMO Financial Group is committed to purchase emission free electricity from Bullfrog Power-generated from clean, renewable sources like wind power and low-impact hydro. BMO has significantly expanded its use of emissions-free power by purchasing electricity from Bullfrog Power in six provinces in Canada including British Columbia.