Garden Club Asks BMO To Reconsider Closing Branch

Mary Kelly, Land O’Lakes Garden Club | Apr 19, 2023

We are writing to respectfully express deep dismay, and to request an open-minded review, in mutual good faith, of the recently announced decision (via form letter) to close the Northbrook BMO branch, effective September 29, 2023.*

We are a remote, culturally diverse community population of 4,057 permanent residents; 252 small to mid-sized local businesses, and 8,360 seasonal residents. There are 2 local government branches, a healthcare clinic, long term care facility, service clubs, fully comprehensive education centre (JK-12), marina, resorts and tourism businesses, the vibrant and popular Bon Echo Provincial Park, a strong Indigenous presence, multiple faith groups, and much more.

North Frontenac and Addington Highlands cover a wide geographic area including considerable wilderness forests and lakes in the Canadian Shield of south-eastern Ontario, primarily north of Highway 7.

Unlike other small communities who have had branches close;

There are no other financial institutions within minimally, a 75km or more radius, depending on the respective customer's address

There is no public transportation, and many customers and/or young prospective customers are already isolated

BMO has been the integral linchpin community builder, serving and promoting this remote community for 58 years

Until relatively recently the BMO Northbrook branch experienced many years of deserved prosperity and a strong community presence, making a positive impact and providing multiple building blocks for a solid legacy

There was no public consultation

BMO is instrumental in providing banking services to a community that has either no, poor or inconsistent internet service. There is much economic disparity

There is a vulnerable, aging, rural population requiring in-person financial service and assistance There are many small and mid-sized businesses as well as individual customers who must rely on local in-person contact for secure banking services and financial advice which ATMs and impersonal on-line banking algorithms cannot replicate

We ask you to please, reach out to regional BMO decision makers on this vital matter which will have an immeasurably far-reaching, dire impact on our community.

Mary Kelly, Land O’Lakes Garden Club