Whitewater Region is fighting to keep its Scotiabank in town and wants the public’s input.
The township says that the services the bank gives to the town are essential, and those will end by summer next year. The township says they brought up the issues with Scotiabank earlier this month because they say closing the bank will negatively affect the community. Residents are being asked to call the bank directly, and to support a request to hold a town hall organized by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
Mayor Michael Moore says he is disappointed with the decision, which he says will be very detrimental to the community. He outlines that the bank leaving could negatively impact seniors without transportation, visitors, business owners and residents. A community Committee has been formed with the township and groups like the Beachburg Lions Club, the Whitewater Bromely Community Health Center and the Westmeath & District Recreation Association are part of it. The Committee’s Chair Joey Trimm says that community partners must come together and fight the bank’s closure.
The Lions Club is also circulating a petition. The community is being asked to send it’s concerns to the bank by calling 1-888-722-3970.