News Releases

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Aug. 22, 2011) - BMO Bank of Montreal has opened a new full-service banking branch in Calgary today at 1101 Kensington Road. This marks the second new branch opening in Calgary this year with plans to open eight additional branches in Alberta over the next two years. It represents a total committed investment by BMO of over $53 million into the province to support growing markets.

"Economic growth in Calgary has reawakened due to high oil prices and investment in the energy sector," said Robert Kavcic, Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Furthermore, Alberta is expected to be among Canada's real GDP growth leaders through 2012, supporting firm population growth, rising oil production and one of Canada's lowest jobless rates."

"The Kensington neighbourhood, north of Calgary's downtown core, boasts a population of young professionals and families that is expected to grow by 10,000 over the next five years," said Mike Suzuki, Vice President, Alberta South District, BMO Bank of Montreal.

The new Kensington Gate BMO branch provides a wide range of financial services and is designed to create a welcoming and comfortable banking experience. The branch is outfitted with the latest banking conveniences including a complimentary coin counter, a simple-to-use kiosk that is capable of counting up to 4,000 coins per minute.

"We look forward to offering our clients a great customer experience in our new branch," said Hardeep Gill, Kensington Gate Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. "With residential sales in Calgary trending upwards, we invite new and existing customers to come visit our branch and learn how BMO can help home buyers become mortgage free faster and save thousands of dollars in interest over time."

Customers can also expect:

• Services provided in six languages, seven days a week;
• Two Instabank automated banking machines (ABM);
• Free coin counting machine;
• Underground parking; and
• Barrier-free access.

"To celebrate the opening of our new branch, customers who open a Youth Account between August 22^nd and September 30^th, will receive $25 towards their child's savings, compliments of BMO," added Ms. Gill.

BMO's new Kensington Gate branch hours of operation are:

• 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Wednesday;
• 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday;
• 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, and
• 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

The grand opening celebration will take place on December 4, 2011.

BMO – Partnering in the Community

Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO and its employees have been committed to serving the communities in which they work and play. Locally, BMO is the official bank of the Calgary Stampede and will play host to the BMO Nations' Cup at Spruce Meadows for the 34^th time on September 10, 2011.