News Releases

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2012) - In the Vancouver Courier newspaper's annual "Stars of Vancouver Readers' Choice Awards" published today, BMO Bank of Montreal placed first in the best financial institution category for Downtown Vancouver. The winning BMO Bank of Montreal branch is located at 958 Denman Street.

With a readership of over 123,000 city-wide, the Courier's annual readers' choice awards are a popular way for people to vote online for their favourite shops and services. "Congratulations to BMO on being chosen as a winner in the 13th annual Readers' Choice Awards that list favourite businesses in Vancouver, our 'Stars of Vancouver'," said Emily Jubb, Publisher of The Vancouver Courier.

"It is an honour to win the award for best bank in Downtown Vancouver," said Brian Aasen, Branch Manager, Denman Branch, BMO Bank of Montreal. "BMO is celebrating 125 years of service in Vancouver, having opened up our first branch in B.C. on Hastings Street in August of 1887. We are proud to have contributed to the community and are committed to making money make sense for our customers every day."

BMO's Downtown Vancouver branch offers customers extended banking hours, including Saturdays, and is designed to provide a great banking experience through a variety of financial services and conveniences, including:

• Services provided in English, French, Spanish and Cantonese;
• Access to commercial account and deposit services;
• Two ATMs; and
• Barrier-free access.

In January, BMO announced that it is making $10 billion in credit available to businesses across Canada over the next three years. "The availability of more credit will help provide the impetus for B.C. business owners to invest in their operations and create more jobs. We are open for business and our local bankers are armed with limits to make the lending decision right here in B.C.," said Derral Moriyama, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking, Greater Vancouver District, BMO Bank of Montreal.

BMO in Vancouver

The BMO Denman branch is active in the community - supporting the annual Gay Pride Parade with a refreshments tent; fundraising for B.C. Children's Hospital; and participating in the "Boo-la-thon" fundraiser for Kids Help Phone. BMO is the presenting sponsor of the St. Patrick's Day 5km Run in Stanley Park, a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association. Some of BMO's other major sponsorships include the Vancouver Marathon and BMO Bard on the Beach.