Council voices concern over the Elgin BMO branch closing in June 2026
ELGIN — Rideau Lakes council will send a letter to the Bank of Montreal (BMO) after members voiced concern about the pending Rideau Lakes BMO branch closure in Elgin and uncertainty around the Westport BMO branch future.
BMO has confirmed the Elgin branch at 28 Main St. will close at 5 p.m. on June 19, 2026, and that customers will be transferred to the bank’s Gananoque branch at 101 King St. E. A mailed notice to clients last week outlined the transition plan.
What Elgin customers can expect
According to the mailed notice, cheques, account numbers, direct deposits and pre-authorized payments will remain unchanged during the transition. All existing accounts, loans and investments will move automatically to Gananoque.
Safety deposit boxes will not be transferred. Clients must empty and close their boxes in Elgin by May 15, 2026.
BMO highlighted its remote and digital banking services, including mobile and telephone banking through BMO Virtual Connect, and said customers can book appointments in Elgin or Gananoque for help reviewing their accounts or navigating online services.
In a statement to Hometown News, Jeff Roman, head of enterprise public relations for BMO, said the decision followed a review of its branch network.
“We continuously assess our operations including our branch network to adapt to changing consumer preferences for service delivery. These decisions are carefully considered,” he said.
Roman confirmed Elgin customers will be served through Gananoque beginning next June.
“As of June 19, 2026, we look forward to serving clients of our Elgin branch at our Gananoque branch or any other branch within our entire branch network.”
The bank did not answer questions about when the decision was made, why Elgin was selected for closure or whether staff will be affected. They also did not answer questions about whether other area branches are closing.
Nearby BMO locations include Smiths Falls, Athens and Brockville.
Council raises concerns about access and local impact
The issue drew lengthy discussion at the township’s Dec. 1 council meeting following earlier debate at the Community Enhancement Committee and at the Economic Development Committee.
Coun. Dustin Bulloch said residents told the Morton CEC “they are very concerned about the potential closures of these local bank branches,” adding that the recommendation was “to support this so that we can at least put a voice to the importance of these local bank branches to our community, to the seniors in our community, and to the local businesses about the community impact these closures would have.”
Coun. Marcia Maxwell said the closures were discussed at an economic development meeting, too. “It is a concern from a business point of view for economic development and also concern for the seniors in the community.”
Maxwell said she was “really surprised” that BMO had chosen Gananoque, “a location that is somewhat remote, when we’ve got Smiths Falls and Perth that would be closer if they were able to drive.”
She noted that while clients can use any branch, “at the same time, it’s going to be difficult for the seniors and for the businesspeople … just getting change for businesses, it’s not good.”
Maxwell said the economic development committee recommended encouraging BMO not to move forward with the closures.
Coun. Linda Carr, who also does business at BMO in Elgin, said she received notice directing her to Gananoque, “which I think is absolutely ridiculous,” she said. She added that the committee discussed inviting a credit union representative to council.
“Maybe we could have a Rideau Lakes Credit Union formed, which may help, or maybe we can contact the Royal Bank in Portland and ask if they could give us some kind of encouragement to have everyone change over to the Royal Bank.”
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom said a “strongly worded” draft letter is prepared. He has also contacted Westport Mayor Robin Jones to see if a joint response is possible.
“I’m not optimistic given the fact that so many other rural communities have lost their bank branches, including Delta, Seeley’s Bay, Lansdowne and Merrickville, and there are many others as well,” Hoogenboom said. “That’s not to say we shouldn’t make the effort.”
Coun. Ron Pollard said many Rideau Lakes residents rely on the Westport branch even though it is outside township boundaries. “It also supplies all the boaters who come in and stay (in Westport),” he said. “They can’t drive anywhere. They walk up to the bank. It’s lineups all summer.”
Pollard said closures in Verona and possible closures in Sharbot Lake would also affect residents. “It is just ruining economic development in the area by doing what they’re doing. To have the nerve to take your accounts and investments to another bank. I’m done. I’m marked for Perth … There’s no talk. There’s no meeting. They just do what they want to do. I’m really provoked of it. I just think it’s awful.”
Coun. Debbie Hutchings asked whether BMO could keep ATMs available. “Could they keep at least bank machines open there in each place?” she said. Hoogenboom said some communities have retained ATMs after closures, although that is “not the same level of service that many of our seniors would be looking for.”
Council unanimously supported the motion.
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