The Bank of Montreal (BMO) has confirmed it will close its branch in Melville, Saskatchewan, in June 2026. This announcement marks the third such closure for the bank in the province, following the shutdown of its locations in Weyburn and Davidson.
A Pattern of Rural Branch Closures
The decision to close the Melville branch continues a trend affecting smaller communities across Canada. Financial institutions are increasingly consolidating their physical networks, often citing shifting customer habits towards digital banking and the need to optimize their operational footprint. The closure in Melville, a city of approximately 4,500 residents, will leave a notable gap in local financial services.
This move follows the previously announced closures in Weyburn and Davidson, signaling a strategic pullback by BMO from several rural Saskatchewan markets. While the bank has not released specific details on the number of employees affected in Melville, such closures typically result in job losses or relocations for branch staff.
Impact on the Melville Community
For residents and small businesses in Melville, the branch closure presents practical challenges. While online and mobile banking options exist, many customers, particularly seniors and those without reliable internet access, still depend on in-person services for complex transactions, financial advice, and cash handling.
The loss of a major bank branch can also have a symbolic and economic impact on a community's downtown core, potentially reducing foot traffic for nearby businesses. Customers will need to travel to other centres to access in-person BMO services, which may involve significant distance for some.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the closure set for June 2026, customers in Melville have roughly a year and a half to transition their banking. BMO will likely communicate directly with clients about the process, outlining alternative options such as:
- Using online and telephone banking services.
- Accessing accounts at nearby BMO branches, the closest of which will now be in Yorkton.
- Utilizing the bank's network of ATMs for basic transactions.
The closure of the Melville branch is part of a broader national conversation about access to essential services in rural Canada. As banks continue to evaluate their physical networks, communities are left to grapple with the consequences and seek alternative solutions to meet their financial needs.
