Scotiabank has recently made public their plan to close the branch in Avonmore, one of three area banks pegged for closure. In spite of a 100-year-plus association with this community, and the fact that per capita it is one of their more profitable branches, head office has decreed that a new bank will be built in Casselman, and their Avonmore and area customers can bank there. We as a community feel this decision is ill-advised and reflects a misunderstanding of the overall impact such a move will have not only on the district … but also on Scotiabank’s business. The general sense here is that it is unlikely, at best, area residents will make the 40km round trip to do their banking in Casselman when other viable options exist. Scotiabank may well be facing a mass exodus.

In 1991 the government threatened to close our post office. We fought it and our post office still stands. More recently, Roxmore Public School was slated for closure. We fought it … enrolment has now grown to the point that the building is being enlarged to accommodate the increased numbers. This Wednesday, February 13, is the first public meeting to discuss our bank closure. Bank officials will be there to explain their plan and to take feedback. We urge all people with an interest in this matter – area residents or otherwise – to attend. The town hall will begin at 7pm at North Stormont Place, 16299 Fairview Drive, Avonmore. Let’s make our voices heard!

From: Terry McRae: Tel 613 346-2622, terry@shantero.com