News Releases

GODERICH, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 27, 2012) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced the opening of its newly renovated full-service banking branch in Goderich, Ontario, and invited customers and members of the community to celebrate at the grand re-opening event on Thursday, March 1^st at 128 Courthouse Square.

The newly renovated, open-concept branch is designed to provide customers with great banking experience. The branch offering extended banking hours and a variety of financial services and conveniences, including:

• Access to commercial account and deposit services;
• One ATM; and
• Barrier-free access.

BMO Bank of Montreal's Goderich branch suffered significant damage after a tornado swept through the town in August, 2011. In order to minimize client disruption BMO opened a fully equipped trailer providing access to customer service and management staff. Fully functional ATMs were installed with no surcharge on cash withdrawals for BMO customers.

"We at BMO are continuing to work with the community of Goderich and our customers to help rebuild and deal with the challenges in the aftermath of the tornado," said Janet Peddigrew, Vice President, Mid-Western Ontario, BMO Bank of Montreal.

"BMO is a strong supporter of this community. On behalf of the Town of Goderich I congratulate their efforts on rebuilding, renewing and re-opening this important branch that will serve the citizens of the community," said Deb Shewfelt, Mayor, Town of Goderich.

BMO Financial Group contributed $40,000 to assist disaster relief efforts for victims of damage caused by the tornado. BMO's donation - including $20,000 from employees - to the Goderich Disaster Relief Fund qualified for matching funds from the Ontario government.

"We are thrilled to be opening the doors of our newly renovated branch to provide services for the community of Goderich," said Joanne Trahan, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. "As part of our ongoing commitment to the community of Goderich, we are donating $7,500 to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital to help purchase a CT scanner."

BMO's newly renovated Goderich branch hours of operation are:

• 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday;
• 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and
• 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

Ms. Trahan, is joined by a team of 13 financial professionals including a financial planner, a mortgage specialist and a BMO Nesbitt Burns advisor.

Grand Opening Details:

Who	Deb Shewfelt, Mayor, Town of Goderich
	Sarah Ross, Representative from MPP Lisa Thompson's Office
	Janet Peddigrew, District Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal
	Moriah Linton, Personal Banking Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal
	Joanne Trahan, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal
What	Grand Opening Celebration - Goderich Branch
	•	Great prizes and giveaways, including a chance to win an Apple iPad 2 or a cash prize of $1,000
	•	Complimentary canapés and refreshments
	•	Photo opportunities with BMO the Bear
	•	Official ribbon-cutting ceremony and donation presentation
When	Thursday, March 1, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
	•	Speeches, ribbon-cutting and donation presentation will commence at 2:30 p.m.
Where	BMO Bank of Montreal - 128 Courthouse Square, Goderich, ON, N7A 1M8

About BMO Bank of Montreal in Goderich

BMO Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and has been serving the Goderich community since 1853. BMO supports health-care and community initiatives in the Goderich area through donations and sponsorships, including the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation, the Goderich Medical Clinic and the Mind & Body Campaign.

A commemorative plaque was reinstalled at the new BMO Bank of Montreal Goderich branch on Saturday, February 25^th.