News Releases

ESSEX, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 8, 2013) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced the opening of its newly relocated full-service banking branch in Essex, now located at 7 Talbot Street North. The branch was previously located at 38 Talbot Street North.

The new branch represents an investment of $730,000 into the Town of Essex. It offers customers extended banking hours and is designed to provide a great banking experience through a variety of financial services and conveniences, including:

• Access to commercial account and deposit services - including a 24 hour depository for small business after-hours use;
• Customized loan, deposit, cash management and card payment solutions provided to small business and agri-business owners;
• A full-service ATM; and
• Barrier-free access.

In Ontario, more than 12 million square metres of land are dedicated to greenhouse agriculture, with almost half (49.5 per cent) in Essex County – making it Canada's largest greenhouse growing area.

"Essex County is experiencing solid growth in the greenhouse sector," said Karl McLaren, Manager, Agriculture, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Between 2006 and 2011, there was a 13.1 per cent increase in the amount of land used for greenhouse production, currently occupying more than 6 million square metres."

Mr. McLaren added that BMO's commitment to make $10 billion in credit available for businesses across Canada can make a big difference to companies investing in Essex, particularly in the greenhouse industry.

BMO's roots in the Canadian agricultural sector date back to 1817, when the Bank first began working with farmers to support and expand the agricultural industry, which has become a key driver of Canada's economy. Today, BMO provides customized loan, deposit, cash management and card payment solutions to Canada's agri-business owners, the single largest core commercial sector that the bank serves.

"BMO has been a financial cornerstone of our community for many years," said Ron McDermott, Mayor, Town of Essex. "We welcome BMO's investment in Essex and their contribution to the revitalization of the Southland shopping plaza."

"We are pleased to be opening the doors to our new branch in the heartland of Ontario's thriving agriculture community," said Sandy Papineau, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Customers will enjoy improved accessibility, including barrier-free access and ample parking. We encourage customers and residents of the community to drop by the branch to discuss their personal, commercial or investment banking needs."

The relocated Essex branch's extended hours of operation are:

• 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday;
• 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and
• 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 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 January 31, 2013, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.