On behalf of Council, thank you to all who showed up to the Open House last night. The Community support was overwhelming.
Special thank you to Chief Greg Sarazin representing our Algonquins of Pikwakanagon First Nation neighbours, Mayor James Brose from North Algona Wilberforce and MP Cheryl Gallant for their support.
We share your frustration and your concern regarding the decision by the Bank of Montreal to close its Eganville branch. The decision to close this branch affects all users, including our seniors, our small businesses, our agricultural community, our Mennonite population and residents who rely on in-person banking. In rural communities like ours, access matters. Connectivity is not just broadband and cell service, it is also access to essential financial services close to home.
Council believes this closure is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the loyalty this community has shown over the years. At the same time, our responsibility tonight is to move forward constructively.
We want to document the specific challenges this closure creates, whether that is increased travel time, accessibility concerns, impacts on local businesses, or safety issues related to cash handling. Those details matter. Please fill out our sign in sheet at the door.
We are encouraging all customers of the Bank of Montreal in Eganville to make their voices heard directly. If you bank here, operate a business account, manage investments, or rely on in-person service, please reach out to BMO’s customer care and senior leadership to share how this closure affects you and your family. Please see the attached address and phone number for the Banking Commissioner and some concerns we have heard from the community. Please share these concerns by phone and mail and any additional concerns you may have. Encourage others to do the same. Together we can make a difference.
Below are a number of contacts, emails and addresses which will also be available on our website so that residents can call and formally register their concerns. Individual stories and respectful but firm communication matter and the more they hear directly from the people impacted, the stronger our collective message will be. We have received letters from concerned organizations and individuals already and the open house is on Youtube for those who could not attend.
Please encourage your neighbours to participate and support the intervention of this closure. Our efforts will not stop at the end of this meeting. They have just begun. We are also prepared to explore creative solutions. That could include discussions about shared service models, credit union partnerships, mobile banking options, or other community-based approaches that ensure Eganville remains viable and supported.
We also would like to thank the Northern Credit Union for attending this evening with information on their services.
What makes Bonnechere Valley and our area strong is not a single institution, it is the people in this room. We are resilient. We are vocal. And we advocate for ourselves.
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