There’s a new kid in Nestor Falls–the brand new Lakewood Credit Union located inside the building that houses Dalseg’s Food Town.
While it opened its doors June 18, a grand-opening is planned next Thursday (July 26), with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.
“We actually had people approach us about opening a credit union in Nestor Falls,” said Lakewood Credit Union CEO Randy Crerar.
“There is a Toronto Dominion bank already [here] but apparently it is only open two days a week in the summer and people in town wanted a bank that would service them more frequently,” he noted.
Seeing a potential in Nestor Falls, Crerar believes the decision to expand into the small town on Highway 71 between Fort Frances and Kenora was simply a continuation of a policy credit unions always have adopted.
“Credit union is different because it believes in servicing communities where there is potential and where other banks may not want to go,” Crerar explained.
“In Western Canada, in particular, credit union has gone into communities where the bigger banks have pulled out. We want to service the people who need our assistance most,” he stressed.
While only two people currently staff Lakewood Credit Union, Crerar vowed the people of Nestor Falls will have the same services offered to them as those in larger communities.
“Our customers will have full service,” he said. “They will have access to all financial services, including Internet banking, savings and chequing accounts, RSPs, and investments.
“In addition, we also have a certified financial planner who will be available for anyone who may have a question they need answered,” he added.
While customer flow has not been what Crerar had expected since opening its doors last month, he remains optimistic that will soon change.
“We have been off to a slow start,” he admitted. “I think that is due to the fact that Nestor Falls is a tourist-based community. Everyone in town is just so busy right now, they have not had time to come in a see us.
“I think we will see more people coming in during the winter months than summer, but that’s o.k.,” he reasoned.
Currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, Crerar noted those hours will change depending on their customers’ needs during the winter months.
“In the winter, we are planning on operating on Mondays and Fridays at the same hours we are currently operating under,” he said. “Of course, those hours may change depending on what our customers need and want.
“Really, it comes down to wanting to give our customers the best service we can,” he pledged.