BMO Bank of Montreal Continues to Bring Clarity to Financial Decisions with
Opening of $1.2 Million Bank Branch in Edmonton

    
    -  BMO offers new five-year fixed mortgage at 3.75 per cent with 25-year
       amortization to help Canadians become mortgage-free faster
    -  Branch staff to provide financial services advice in seven languages
    -  New building fuelled by clean energy from Bullfrog Power
    

EDMONTON, March 15 /CNW/ - BMO Bank of Montreal today opened a new state-of-the-art branch located in the Belmont Town Centre at 3003-137th Avenue NW in Edmonton.

Branch Manager, Stacey Vanthuyne, will lead a team of nine professionals who, collectively, will provide personal and commercial financial services advice in seven languages including: English, French, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin and Portuguese.

"BMO is committed to expanding its presence in Alberta and providing an exceptional customer experience," said Lynda Taylor, District Vice-President, Northern Alberta, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Belmont residents will have access to expert financial advice, whether it's finding the right mortgage solution or planning for retirement. Our customers can start putting money back in their pockets by taking advantage of programs such as BMO SmartSteps," added Ms. Taylor.

BMO SmartSteps provides a straightforward approach to savings through lower fees, lower interest costs and minimizing taxes.

"We also want to bring clarity to home financing decisions by providing expert advice and tips to our customers on how to shorten their mortgage amortization and save thousands of dollars," said Ms. Vanthuyne. "For customers who want to become mortgage-free faster, pay less interest and have the comfort of a fixed interest rate, our new five-year fixed rate mortgage at 3.75 per cent will be the best option," added Ms. Vanthuyne. "This new mortgage product offers a maximum 25 year amortization; it's the right mortgage for the times."

    
    Customers can expect:
    -  A highly experienced team of in-house experts;
    -  Access to commercial account and deposit services;
    -  Two Instabank automated banking machines (ABMs) accessible 24/7,
       featuring a drive thru and;
    -  Full wheelchair accessibility.
    

"Our customers can be sure they will be met by a knowledgeable professional who will sit down and help them understand our products and services, so they can confidently make the right decisions with their money," said Ms. Vanthuyne. "We are committed to providing every one of our customers with the best banking experience."

    
    Hours of operation for BMO's Belmont Branch are:

    Monday to Wednesday             9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Thursday & Friday               9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    

"BMO is here to help customers Make Money Make Sense," said Ms. Taylor. "We are pleased to offer advice and historically low mortgage rates. First-time homebuyers have the ability to lock in at low rates and, if they are not ready to buy at this time, our First Home Essentials Kit can provide a step-by-step guide to entering the real estate market."

BMO's Corporate Social Responsibility in Edmonton

BMO's new branch in Edmonton is part of a green energy initiative. BMO Financial Group is committed to purchase emission free electricity from Bullfrog Power - generated from clean, renewable sources like wind power and low-impact hydro. We have significantly expanded our use of emissions-free power by purchasing electricity from Bullfrog Power for all of our 64 facilities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. This is in addition to the 78 BMO locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

BMO is now recognized on the bullfrogpoweredTM1 Green Index, a ranking of companies that purchase green power, as a top-tier purchaser of more than 20,000 annual megawatt hours. BMO was named Best Workplace for the Environmentally Conscious by Alberta Venture Magazine. The award recognizes our dedication to environmental stewardship and our understanding that our employees are valued partners on our sustainability journey.

BMO Bank of Montreal has played an active role in the Edmonton community since 1903. The bank donates to numerous local charitable organizations each year including: The United Way Alberta Capital Region, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Alberta Art Gallery, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Shelter from the Storm, Concordia College, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Grant McEwan Community College and the Royal Alexandra & Lois Hole Hospitals.

For further information: Media Contact: Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal, [email protected], [phone], Internet: www.bmo.com