Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-04-26, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018. PAGE 7. CIBC reps state Blyth branch is definitely closing A full house A mandated public meeting preceding the closure of CIBC's branch in Blyth was held at the Blyth and District Community Centre last week. Three representatives of the financial institute were on hand to answer questions, but they didn't mince words: the Blyth branch closure will happen and no action taken by the community could stop that process. (Denny Scott photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen The message from CIBC representatives at last week's public meeting regarding the Blyth branch was clear and repeated: the branch is closing. Jon Kastikainen, one of three CIBC representatives at the meeting, stated that the company wanted no mixed messages: the branch will close in September. While the company, according to Kastikainen, respected the amount of effort Blyth and its residents were putting into keeping the branch, he said he wanted no confusion about the future of the Blyth branch. Kastikainen, both at the beginning of the meeting and through answering questions regarding the closure, pointed to a provincial banking trend that saw 80 per cent of users no longer utilizing bank branches as a reason for the closure. He said that number was forecast to increase to 90 per cent by 2020. He also said he wouldn't comment on the commercial success of any branch, but did say that Blyth's branch was in the lowest 10 per cent, nationally, for generating new business. He reiterated, however, that the decision was not dictated by the banking centre's performance. Kastikainen said Blyth and area customers could move their services to Wingham, or another CIBC branch, or use phone and online banking opportunities. CIBC also will not be placing an ATM in the area. Kastikainen explained that history has shown that low usage will likely result in the ATM's removal. The one note to the removal of the current ATM was that CIBC would leave it in place for the duration of the Festival of Wizardry in Blyth this year. The ATM was scheduled to be removed when the bank closed, just prior to the event. Kastikainen also explained that Blyth branch customers should see no interruption of service. Any automatic withdrawals or deposits would be switched over by the bank to the new Wingham accounts. He also said that cheques and debit cards would still work and didn't require any changes. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Blyth's John Stadelmann asked what would happen with the bank building. Kastikainen said the bank building would be placed on the open market four to six months after the closure. He also explained, later in the meeting, that CIBC had no intention of instituting a no -compete clause in the sale, meaning if another financial institute bought the bank they could use it immediately. Irene Kellins of Stitches with a Twist in Blyth presented the petition that she and other concerned citizens created which included 557 signatures as well as some comments. Kastikainen appreciated the effort, but said the decision had been made and, while it was a difficult one, it wouldn't be revisited. Throughout the meeting, Kellins, alongside other business owners, said the closure would have negative impacts on local businesses and shoppers, pointing to weather as preventing them from getting to other branches as well as problems with refilling registers. Kastikainen said that, for companies that deal in cash and need to have deposits made with any regularity, it would be on the businesses to adapt to accommodate that. Londesborough -area resident Ken Scott said that, while online banking can fill a need, it doesn't replace seeing friendly faces. He went on to say that, when the branch closes, it could leave customers wondering if they wanted to switch financial institutions. Ryan Walters, CIBC District Vice President of Western Ontario, said the friendly faces Scott referred to would still be around. "All those friendly faces will keep their jobs," he said. "They will be placed in local centres. We will find out where they want to go, it won't be assigned. Clients are usually comforted by that" Crystal Taylor, a Morris-Turnberry Special fundraiser set at Knox United Church PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 On Sunday, April 29, Knox United Church is planning a special service at 11:15 a.m. and Trinity and Dungannon congregations are invited to join. Linda Willis and Carol Hamilton, co-founders of Change Her World, will lead the worship and also share about the ongoing work of this organization. Change Her World is dedicated to removing barriers that prevent girls and women from being educated in the developing world. Following the service, chili and desserts will be served, by donation. All money raised from the lunch will be donated to Change Her World. Come and enjoy. There will be a community bridal shower for Andrea Shiell on Saturday, April 28 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. FROM BELGRAVE 'The Good Shepherd' has a deeper meaning Continued from page 3 Shepherd. The fourth Sunday after Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. Many of us have really never seen a real shepherd but have seen many pictures of sheepdogs herding sheep. The Good Shepherd has a much deeper meaning. Jesus the Good Shepherd lays down His life for us. Jesus was sent to earth to help us know that God loves us all and that we are His sheep. The hymn "Are You a Shepherd"? was sung. The offering was received followed by the singing of the offertory response, "Your Work, 0 God, Needs Many Hands", the offertory prayer, the singing of the response, "God Our Protector" leading into the prayers for the people, silent prayers and the singing of the Lord's Prayer. The last hymn "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" was followed by the benediction and the singing of the response, "Wherever You May Go". resident, asked why Wingham was chosen as the new home branch for Blyth customers. Taylor was told she was free to switch to any branch she wanted, and was also informed that, with inter -bank branching, switching to another centre wasn't necessary. Kellins also said that CIBC should consider, when reviewing the closure, that many local customers take money out of ATMs to avoid using debit cards at local businesses, which cost the business transaction fees. Kastikainen suggested that local businesses could start offering cash back as a means to provide money and also reduce the amount of night deposits necessary. Unfortunately, as several business owners and employees pointed out, when the businesses need money to fill their registers, there will be no option to get cash or change without driving to Wingham. Lorie Falconer also spoke, saying she felt that CIBC had encouraged people to use online banking, and that now, the community felt following that advice had robbed it of its bank branch. "We feel crushed by that because we followed those directions," she said. Karen Stewart suggested the bank could partner with a local business to try and provide change and cash as well as a night-time drop-off location, however Kastikainen and the other representatives didn't seem interested in the suggestion. For more information on the closure, contact CIBC's Blyth branch or Kastikainen at 416-351- 4272. MEETING NOTICE Municipality of Morris-Turnberry The upcoming meetings for the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry will be held: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Regular Council Meeting Regular Council Meeting NOTICE TO DOG OWNERS in the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry 2018 Dog Tags and Licences are now available: (Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Municipal Office 41342 Morris Rd., PO Box 310, Brussels, ON NOG 1H0 ***Tags can be picked up in person or ordered by telephone *** All dogs must be licensed in compliance with By-law No. 80- 2013. A copy of the complete By-law is available for review at the Municipal Office. All dogs must be identified by means of a tag and licence, issued for a (1) one year period by: Friday, April 27, 2018 The fee schedule shall be as follows: 1. All Dogs (except those listed in #2) - male, females and spayed females FIRST DOG ALL OTHERS $20.00 per dog $30.00 per dog 2. Pit bulls, Pit bull crosses, Staffordshire terriers FIRST DOG $100.00 per dog ALL OTHERS $110.00 per dog 3. Kennel Licence Fee $125.00 (for a kennel of dogs that are registered or eligible for registration under the Animal Pedigree Act) 4. Late Payment Charge $20.00 per dog (Shall be assessed in addition to the licence fee, if the licence and/or tag is not purchased by April 27) Excrement: The By-law requires dog owners to forthwith remove excrement left by a dog, from property other than the premises of the owner of the dog. Any person contravening this provision is subject to a $125 fee. For further information contact: The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Telephone: 519-887-6137 Ext. 24 Fax: 519-887-6424 E-mail: mail@morristurnberry.ca