WHITEWATER REGION — The Township of Whitewater Region and account holders of the Beachburg Scotiabank Branch were informed earlier this month of the impending closure of the branch, effective June 2020. Access to banking services is essential to the community.
The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region passed a resolution at its meeting of December 4, calling upon Scotiabank to reconsider its decision regarding the imminent closure of the Beachburg Branch due to the negative impacts the closure will have on the community.
“We are incredibly disappointed with this decision, which we view as detrimental to the community, including residents, visitors, business owners and seniors without transportation”, said Mayor Michael Moore.
According to local historians, the roots of the branch date back to 1873 and the founding of the Bank of Ottawa, which later amalgamated with the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1919.
“Community partners have come together to form a Save our Bank Committee to fight the closure of our vital bank,” stated Joey Trimm, chair of a newly formed community committee.
The committee includes the Township of Whitewater Region, Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre, Riverview Seniors Social Club, Beachburg Lions Club, Westmeath & District Recreation Association and prominent members of the community, including Art Jamieson, Del O’Brien and Dave Shields.
The community is asked to share its concerns with the bank directly by calling 1-888- 722-3970. A request will also be made to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to hold a Town Hall meeting to hear from the community. The Lions Club is also circulating a petition.
Editor’s Note: Whitewater News has concluded interviews with the Canadian corporate headquarters for Scotiabank in Toronto, Ont. and will be publishing the feature story in our next issue. Our next issue will be published on January 2, 2020.
