BMO Invests $2 million to Serve Dartmouth’s Growing Community

* Full service branch with three Instabank Machines including a drive-through Instabank
* Extended hours, including Saturday’s
* BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisor on site

BMO Bank of Montreal today opened the doors to a 5,000 square foot branch at 254 Baker Drive (Russell Lake) in Dartmouth following an investment of $2 million.

“Our new location gives us visible presence in the neighbourhood and a more convenient location for our customers,” said Toni Halverson, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We now have a larger space to accommodate our customers and offer more services and private offices to efficiently meet their financial needs.”

By ‘making money make sense’ BMO is providing the clarity customers need to make sound financial decisions. This commitment has never been more relevant than it is now given today’s economic realities.

“And if you invest a minimum of $5,000 with us between October 27 and November 28, 2008, we’ll add $100 to your principal investment,” added Ms. Halverson.

”Halifax-Dartmouth boasts a diverse economy that continues to create jobs,” noted Robert Kavcic, Economic Analyst, BMO Capital Markets. “The city’s unemployment rate is the lowest in Atlantic Canada and remains below the national average. Meantime, a positive turnaround in population growth continues to support the housing market, which has seen prices rise at more than an 8 per cent annualized rate during the past decade,” concluded Mr. Kavcic.

Local residents can benefit from familiar faces and a knowledgeable staff who will provide each customer with a tailored banking experience.

BMO’s team of 14 employees include:

* Customer Service Representatives
* Financial Services Managers
* BMO Bank of Montreal Financial Planner
* Investment and Retirement Planner
* Commercial Relationship Manager
* BMO Nesbitt Burns® Investment Advisor

BMO’s Russell Lake branch offers longer hours and will operate from:
Monday to Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The branch is equipped with two Instabank machines for your everyday financial transactions as well as a drive-through Instabank.

“Plus if you’re one of the millions of AIR MILES collectors in Canada, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO,” said Rob Cunningham, Personal Banking Area Manager. “No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem more quickly because we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit and credit card purchases, including online purchases, with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options,” he said.

In April, BMO Bank of Montreal enhanced its Mosaik Gold AIR MILES Reward Option, providing cardholders an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all AIR MILES flight redemptions worldwide.

The BMO Russell Lake branch will hold a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, November 22, 2008. The branch has been relocated from the Staples Plaza Branch at 114 Woodlawn Road in Dartmouth.

Celebrating its 191st anniversary today, Bank of Montreal has a long standing history in Canada. For more details visit the site www.bmo.com/history

BMO Bank of Montreal has 30 branches and more than 300 employees in Nova Scotia.