Media Advisory/ Photo Opportunity Toronto Maple Leafs Legend Wendel Clark Teams up with BMO for Grand Opening of New Kitchener Branch

* Chance for customers and friends to win great prizes and pick-up BMO giveaways
* Bullfrog powered branch represents an investment of $1.3 million
* Afternoon BBQ, face painter and balloonist

Wendel Clark will be on site for autograph signing and photos this Saturday to help BMO celebrate the grand opening of Kitchener’s newest branch at 795 Ottawa Street South.
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2008
WHERE: BMO Bank of Montreal
795 Ottawa Street South
Kitchener, Ontario
WHAT: 10:45 a.m. - Ribbon cutting ceremony and photo opportunity
11:00 a.m. - Autograph signing with Wendel Clark
1:30 p.m. - Raffle prizes, including Toronto Maple Leaf jersey and merchandise

“We look forward to this fun-filled family day and the opportunity to meet our neighbours and other members of the community,” said Cathy Roberts, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “The new 6,000 square foot branch will accommodate customers and offer more services and private offices including a Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisor on site. We are ‘making money make sense’ by providing the clarity customers need to make sound financial decisions. Our commitment has never been more relevant than it is now given today’s economic realities.”

BMO’s new space is prepared to accommodate the needs of this growing city.

”Kitchener’s economy enjoys solid underpinnings, with unemployment below and incomes above the provincial and national benchmarks,” said Robert Kavcic, Economic Analyst, BMO Capital Markets. “Given its relatively young demographics, its highly regarded educational institutions, and its diversified industrial mix, the area should perform well over the medium term as the broader North American economy turns the corner. Once the current economic weakness passes, growth in the region is expected to exceed both the Ontario and Canadian rates through 2012.”

“To AIR MILES collectors in Kitchener, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO. Now you can collect AIR MILES reward miles whenever and wherever you make purchases using your BMO Bank of Montreal debit card or receive an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all flights offered by AIR MILES using BMO’s Gold Mosaik MasterCard” said Anne Kozak, Personal Area Banking Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’re unique in the marketplace; no other bank can help you collect faster and redeem quicker. We are the only major financial institution that rewards debit purchases with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 AIR MILES reward and travel options.”