BMO has announced plans to close its Kitimat branch, directing customers to its Terrace location, 60 kilometres away. The Kitimat branch, which opened in 1952 as the community’s first bank, will close on July 25.
The bank has not provided specific reasons for the closure despite multiple inquiries but issued a general statement: “We continuously assess our operations – including our branch network – to adapt to changing consumer preferences for service delivery. These decisions are carefully considered. We will ensure clients can transition smoothly.”
BMO stated it is offering support to clients through in-person seminars to introduce its digital banking platforms, alongside video guides and its BMO Virtual Connect platform. These resources aim to help customers transition to mobile and online banking, including services such as bill payments, money transfers, and cheque deposits. The bank is also assisting clients with setting up direct debit and credit payments to ease the shift.
For those preferring in-person updates, BMO assured customers that additional information and support will be available at the Kitimat branch before it closes its doors.
The closure aligns with broader trends in the banking sector, where institutions are scaling back physical branches as more customers rely on digital services. However, community backlash has been vocal in other towns facing similar closures, including 100 Mile House, where residents expressed frustration with BMO over the inconvenience for seniors and those without access to digital banking. Banking customers have also criticized the lack of transparency surrounding these decisions, calling for clearer communication and better solutions.
