W. Daryl White
Chief Executive Officer,
BMO Financial Group
119 Rue Saint- Jacques
Montreal, QC H2Y 1L6
Dear Mr. White,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Westport Lions Club to express our great displeasure with your recently announced decision to close the Westport Bank of Montreal branch. This is more than a simple inconvenience for the people of Westport and area. I should tell you that this bank is heavily relied upon by seniors-a large segment of our demographics- businesses and service clubs like the Westport Lions Club as well as other volunteer organizations. We also have a significant and important segment of our population who are not physically or economically able to drive to more urban centres to do their banking. Like many smaller centres, we do not have access to public transportation.
It is the only bank in our community and yet it is more than a bank. It is a long standing part of the fabric of our community. A community I should add that is growing and that will see future growth. I can appreciate that recent technological advancements have changed the face of banking but in reality those changes have challenged our rural citizens and reinforced the vital need for a physical bank. I also understand that an important role for any corporation is to maximize profits for their shareholders but surely it is not your only role. I would hope that you also have an interest in maintaining a good corporate image and providing a vital service. Your Westport branch may not be an economic engine to you but it is extremely important to us.
Another factor of annoyance is the total lack of consultation in the decision process. There were no prior discussions undertaken in the community and no public input for other options e.g. reduced hours considered. We find this approach to be quite insensitive.
We have been loyal and active customers of the Bank of Montreal for many years but because of your recent actions this relationship is likely to change and not for the better for either of our organizations. I’m sure there are many others who feel similarly if forced to do their banking in a location that has more than one bank.
In conclusion, we wish that the Bank of Montreal revisit its decision to close the Westport branch and work with the community to find solutions to our ongoing banking needs.
Sincerely,
David Lowery,
President,
Westport Lions Club