At least four more branches are planned for the city in 2008

    EDMONTON, Oct. 30 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the opening of its
newest Edmonton branch, the Meadows, located at 3804 - 17 Street NW. It
becomes the sixth new Edmonton area Scotiabank to open its doors since
November 2006. This full-service banking centre offers a complete range of
personal and business banking, borrowing, investing, wealth management and
small business services.
    "At Scotiabank, we are always looking for ways to enhance our branch
network and provide even better service to our customers and the community,"
said Chris Bruce, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Edmonton District. "We're
committed to keeping pace with Edmonton's growth by opening new branches in
high-growth and new communities in Edmonton and surrounding areas."
    Employing 16 people, the branch offers the following hours of operation
and convenient features:-   Open six days per week: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
        Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
    -   Two in-branch automated banking machines (ABMs) and one drive-thru
        ABM; and
    -   An easily accessible, convenient location with ample parking."We are very pleased to offer extended and Saturday hours to accommodate
our customers' busy and varied schedules. True convenience means giving
customers options, so they can visit the branch when it works best for them -
whether at lunch time, after work or on the weekend," added branch manager
Brian Bailey.
    This new branch is an important part of Scotiabank's expansion plans in
Alberta. From November 1, 2006 to October 31, 2007 (within the bank's current
fiscal year), Scotiabank will have opened 12 new branches throughout the
province, representing a total investment of almost $16 million in
construction costs alone. Scotiabank plans to open at least another six new
branches in Alberta during fiscal 2008, including four more in Edmonton.
    With the opening of The Meadows, Scotiabank presently operates 123
branches around the province. This includes 33 branches in Edmonton and
surrounding communities, which employ more than 850 people.

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With almost 60,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $408 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2007), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York (BNS) Stock Exchanges. For more information please
visit www.scotiabank.com.