The 100 Mile House Branch of the Bank of Montreal will close permanently on June. 27, 2025.
The closure was announced in a letter sent out to business partners and customers of the bank last week. In a notice posted outside the branch customers are informed they can continue to access banking services in BMO's Williams Lake Branch. This closure marks the end of over five decades of serving the people of 100 Mile House.
When reached out to for comment BMO spokesperson Jeff Roman said the bank continuously assesses their operations, including their branch footprint, to ensure they are "well-positioned to serve the changing needs of our customers."
"We recognize that challenges can come with a transition like this for some customers and we are providing support, including delivering seminars at 100 Mile House Branch on our comprehensive digital banking platforms," Roman said.
When asked directly why 100 Mile's branch is being closed, Roman did not provide an answer, instead again noting BMO will provide resources to help people learn how to access banking services online. He added that in addition to in-person seminars in 100 Mile, before the closure, BMO has video guides at bmodemos.com where people can learn how to pay bills online, deposit a cheque, send money to friends and transfer money between accounts.
District of 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney said she and district staff were as surprised as anyone by the closure's announcement. She noted there was no indication or consultation about a potential closure before the announcement.
"It was a bit of a surprise. That branch has been here (over 50) years and growing up there was always a branch here employing people. Those are good jobs that our community really can't afford to lose," Pinkney observed. "Then there's the inconvenience to both residents and businesses that use that service."
While the closure is still six months away, Pinkney said for those who bank with BMO that's not a lot of time at all. Some don't even know about the closure yet, Pinkney added, as with the ongoing Canada Post strike only letters that were hand-delivered, like the district's, are making it to people.
Outside of the impact on customers, Pinkney said the loss of jobs is not good for the community. She noted that the district is actively trying to create more jobs locally and she has seen a pattern over the years in 100 Mile House where local offices for businesses such as ICBC or services like the Ministry of Transportation close and residents are told to access them in Williams Lake.
"It's a little bit more regionalizing of things we don't like to see. We like to see things stay in local small communities so that residents can access them better," Pinkney said. "We still have a large number of seniors in our community both right in 100 Mile and rural and now they have to go that much further if they have to change up everything. Those things aren't as easy to do as they used to be."
Roman also did not confirm how many jobs are being affected by the closure, but did say "we are working closely with the small number of affected branch employees to help them find other opportunities in the bank."
In their notice announcing the closure BMO stated that their regional vice president will be visiting on Jan. 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. to answer any customer concerns or questions. Pinkney said she hopes this closure does not start a trend among other local banks and businesses.
"I think it's a corporate decision that's been made. They didn't ask for any input, they just told us a fact. I'm pretty sure there is no reversing this one but we can definitely express our displeasure in it and hopefully stop someone else from doing it," Pinkney remarked.
That being said, Pinkney also noted that in recent years many local businesses have chosen to invest in 100 Mile House and expand, from small businesses on Birch Avenue to the expansion of chains like Home Hardware and Total Pet. She said there is plenty of commercial land available for expansion and the district is always happy to support new initiatives.
"I’ve been on council now for six years and we have worked extremely hard to try and get other businesses and industries in our community," Pinkney said. "My door is always open."
