News Releases

LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Oct. 11, 2012) - BMO Bank of Montreal invites customers and members of the community to celebrate the grand opening of its new West Lethbridge Highlights branch at 378 University Drive West on Saturday, October 13, 2012.

The new branch offers customers extended banking hours six days a week, and is designed to provide a great banking experience through a broad variety of financial services and conveniences, including:

• A coin counter;
• Access to commercial account and deposit services;
• Two on-site ATMs, including a drive-thru ATM, as well as an ATM located in the nearby Canada Safeway store; and
• Barrier-free access.

"The 2012 census shows strong population growth in West Lethbridge with a 2.54 per cent increase from 2011," said David May, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. "There is a good mixture of seniors, young families and professionals as well as the University of Lethbridge student population of over 8,000. To service the needs of this growing community we are honoured to be opening the doors to our new West Lethbridge Highlands branch, which offers extended banking hours including Saturdays.

Lethbridge has seen consistent business and population growth over the past decade; the city is currently home to more than 5,800 businesses which have positively impacted the Albertan economy.

"Fifty-five per cent of Alberta businesses surveyed for the BMO Small Business Confidence Report predicted their businesses will grow in 2013; only five per cent expect their business to 'shrink'. Commercial clients are clearly confident about expanding their operations and hiring people," said Bill Hogg, Vice President, Commercial Banking, Alberta/NWT, BMO Bank of Montreal. "As Canadians celebrate Small Business Week beginning October 15, we encourage businesses in Lethbridge to get their share of the $10 billion in credit BMO has made available, giving them access to the capital they need to grow."

Grand Opening Details:

Who:	Bridget Mearns, Deputy Mayor, City of Lethbridge
	Mike Suzuki, District Vice President, Alberta South, BMO Bank of Montreal
	Mervin Hardy, Personal Banking Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal;
	David May, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal
What:	Grand Opening Celebration - West Lethbridge Highlands Branch
		• Formal celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony with special guests
		• Complimentary food, beverages and entertainment
		• A Face Painter, Balloon Twister and BMO the Bear
		• Great giveaways and a raffle draw with the chance to enter to win one of two Apple iPads.
When:	Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
		• Speeches and ribbon-cutting will commence at 1:00 p.m.
Where:	BMO Bank of Montreal, 378 University Drive W. in Lethbridge
BMO's new West Lethbridge Highlands branch extended hours of operation are:
	• 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Wednesday;
	• 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and
	• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $542 billion as at July 31, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

The BMO Small Business Confidence Report (index) was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights between August 13 and September 5, using a sample of 500 Canadian business owners. Results carry a margin of error of ±4.4 per cent, 19 times out of 20.