Merrickville's only bank closing in January
The only bank in the village of Merrickville-Wolford will close on Jan. 27, 2023, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has announced.
In an email to CTV News Ottawa, Regional Director of Communications Lucie Caron says RBC is consolidating the Merrickville branch into their Kemptville location.
"We recognize this change may be difficult for some of our clients," Caron wrote. "This decision was not taken lightly. It is based on a number of key trends as well as data specific to this branch."
"Over the next six months, RBC will work one-on-one with each of our personal and business clients to determine what works best for them and to identify the nearby branch that best suits their needs," she said.
The nearest RBC branches are located in Smiths Falls or Kemptville, a 15-minute drive to both.
Merrickville residents using the branch on Wednesday said it was a sad day for the village.
"Merrickville is growing and it's such an important part of the community, so we feel really bad that it's closing," said Mary-Kate Laphen, who has used the branch for 28 years.
"I understand there are issues with bricks and mortar costs and such but it's really important for a small community and a lot of people use the bank," she added. "Every time I go there, there is always people lined up. I'm very sad about it."
Laphen works as the town librarian, which does business with RBC and noted driving to Smiths Falls or Kemptville will be an inconvenience.
"I have to do deposits for the library and stuff like that, and there are extra services that you need people for," Laphen said.
Merrickville resident Dave Knapp says he has been a customer for 50 years, and will also be inconvenienced.
"I prefer it to stay open but I guess Smiths Falls is my next option," he said. "The service has always been good here, lots of times quick in and out. Makes it a lot easier."
A notice was taped to the door of the Merrickville branch Wednesday, saying their presence in the community is changing, and that a community information session will be held on Aug. 25 at the Merrickville Community Recreation Centre.
RBC noted factors in their decision to close the location included Canadians changing their banking habits by using more online or phone services, with fewer customers coming into branches.
Three employees will be affected by the closure, with Caron adding they are, "Working one on one with them to find new roles within RBC that best suits their personal needs and career aspirations."
The first RBC branch opened in Merrickville around 1890, in a different location than the current branch.
Merrickville becomes the third small town in the region to loose a bank in the last two years, with the RBC location in Metcalfe set to close on October 14, and South Mountain losing their Scotiabank branch in May of 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members today during a ceremony at British Columbia's legislature cenotaph commemorating the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.