The Town of Port Hawkesbury is very concerned about the Bank of Montreal (BMO) closing and is calling on the Regional Vice President to pay a visit.

It is set to shut down operations in July along with the Canso branch with in-person services to be offered in New Glasgow.

In a letter to Deanne Chaulk, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says council is surprised at the decision, especially during a time of growth.

“Unprecedented investments are being made in the Green Energy Sector, especially around green hydrogen/ammonia, wind and solar in the region.”

Chisholm-Beaton says this has spurred major interest from associated industries and says the economic growth this could ignite needs to be considered.

BMO a necessity

Many seniors in town as well as small and medium sized businesses rely on the services BMO provides.

Chisholm-Beaton says in the letter, a lot of residents choose to live in the Town because of how accessible banking is, along with other professional services.

“The loss of your bank is a major loss to the offering the Town provides as a service and logistical center and there will be significant effects from the loss of your bank as an employer.”

Come for a tour

Considering the history BMO has to the Town and the impact the closure would have, Chisholm-Beaton is asking Chaulk to take a tour of Port Hawkesbury and the Point Tupper Industrial Park.

And to hear from council about development and growth.

Canso request shut down

Canso is also reeling from the loss of BMO – it is the only bank in town.

In an effort to salvage it, the Municipality of the District of Guysborough requested Chaulk have a sit-down meeting with their council.

This request was shut down.

Warden Paul Long told our newsroom BMO had no intention of talking with them and was going ahead with the closure.

In person services will switch to the New Glasgow branch, July 28.