BMO, RBC set dates for downtown exit

Two of Canada’s major banks are set to leave their long-standing downtown Brandon locations in October.

BMO is set to close its branch at 1000 Rosser Ave. and move to a new location at 1650 Park Ave., while Royal Bank of Canada’s branch at 740 Rosser Ave. will be consolidated with the existing RBC branch at 661 18th St.

BMO clients will begin receiving service at the bank’s new building on Oct. 26. RBC will move clients and employees from its Brandon main branch to its 18th Street and Van Horne Avenue location on Oct. 16.

Neither bank owns its downtown property or could say what will happen to the buildings after they vacate.

BMO spokesperson Jeff Roman described the bank’s move to Park Avenue as an investment in the Brandon community.

“We’re excited to share our latest investment in the community with the upcoming opening of our new, modernized branch,” Roman told the Sun.

“With an expanded footprint and refreshed presence in Brandon, the new BMO branch reflects our commitment to being where our clients are and to helping them make real financial progress,” he said.

BMO began notifying clients about the relocation in June. Branch teams have also held informal drop-in sessions to help customers understand the move and address questions.

Roman said the bank is focused on making the transition as seamless as possible.

“We are ensuring that clients can transition smoothly and look forward to providing support to anyone with questions,” he said.

The BMO move will come 10 days after RBC transitions its downtown branch clients and employees to its 18th Street and Van Horne Avenue location.

RBC regional vice-president Tracey Schofield said there will be no job losses as a result of the consolidation from one to two branches in the city. Schofield said the 18th and Van Horne branch has prepared for the influx.

“We have completed significant renovations at our 18th & Van Horne location to support this change and encourage clients to visit us to experience this investment,” Schofield told the Sun in an email.

The changes come as both banks adjust their physical branch networks to reflect changing consumer banking habits.

Schofield said RBC has increasingly been providing customers with a combination of digital and mobile banking, traditional branch services and mobile expert advisers.

“Over the years, as consumer banking habits have evolved, we have been broadening our client service to be a blend of online and mobile channels, branch, and mobile expert advisors,” she said.

Schofield added: “We recognize this change means different things to different clients. We continue to work closely with our clients to identify tailored solutions that meet their needs.”

Both banks said customers who have questions about the relocations can direct them to branch staff.

RBC said clients can visit either of its Brandon branches for assistance, while BMO branch teams are available to answer questions about the upcoming move.

Both banks anchored the city’s historic business district for well over a century.

BMO opened in downtown Brandon in 1903 on 10th Street, moving to Rosser Avenue and 10th Street in 1905, and later to 1000 Rosser Avenue.

RBC arrived in 1909 at 943 Rosser Ave., eventually relocating to 740 Rosser Ave.

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