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Sep 30: Expanded Victoria Branch Now Open

Expanded Vancity Victoria Branch Now Open at High Profile Corner

Grand opening community celebration set for Saturday, October 18

Victoria, September 30, 2003 - Vancity Credit Union has just opened the doors of its new, expanded Victoria branch at the high-profile corner of Douglas and Finlayson.

Relocated from Scott Street, the new cedar-shingled branch features 5,400 square feet (double the size of its former location), two 24-hour ATMs (including a drive-thru), a convenient Internet banking touch screen, as well as a design inspired by the feedback of Victoria residents.

Through a series of focus groups, community members were asked to help Vancity design the new premises, which sits on the former site of the Great Canadian Casino and Paul's Restaurant.

"This new branch is about serving our members better and attracting new ones. Our goal is to continue to grow and invest in Victoria. Asking for feedback is one way that we have tried to ensure that our new location truly captures the spirit of this community," said Bruce Ralston, Chair of Vancity's Board of Directors.

The result is a branch constructed to the strictest environmental and energy guidelines that promises to decrease water consumption by 30 per cent and optimize energy performance by 40 per cent.

The building's design offers a distinct heritage and West Coast look using local materials, including wood, stone and glass. The interior features photos of historic Victoria, as well as a 400-square foot 'community room' that will be made available to local organizations.

In addition to the stunning new building, members will also notice a few new faces in the branch in the weeks ahead as Vancity adds new experts to its staff to accommodate members' retail and business financial needs.

"I cannot tell you how excited we are about this new branch. The convenient location, the design, the additional space and financial experts are all about telling our members and this community that we are here to serve them better and that we want their business," said Branch Manager Holly Harding.

The property housing Vancity's new branch is owned by Vancity Enterprises, the socially responsible development subsidiary of Vancity Credit Union, and includes retail space for two other businesses, yet to be named.

A Family Fun Day grand opening community celebration will be held in the branch parking lot at 3075 Douglas Street on Saturday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are invited to enjoy the carnival atmosphere, barbecue, community partners exhibit, face painting, clowns, games, prizes and more. The event (including food) is free. All are welcome. For more details contact the branch at 250-519-7423.

Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union, with $9.3 billion in assets, 305,000 members, and 41 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity was chosen as the best place to work in Canada for 2005 by Maclean’s Magazine as part of its annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers issue. Vancity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, serving members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Both Vancity and Citizens Bank are guided by a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work.