At least two more are planned for the city in 2008

    CALGARY, Oct. 30 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the opening of two
new Calgary branches: West Springs, located at 7000 873 - 85th Street S.W.,
and The Bridges at 913 - 1st Avenue N.E. There are plans to further expand
Scotiabank's network of 41 branches in Calgary and surrounding communities,
with at least two more Calgary branches on the drawing board for fiscal 2008.
    "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 John Kowalski, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Calgary District. "We're
committed to keeping pace with Calgary's growth by opening new branches in
high-growth and new communities."

    West Springs

    This full-service banking centre offers a complete range of personal and
business banking, borrowing, investing, wealth management and small business
services. Employing 15 people, West Springs 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.

    The Bridges

    This branch, with a staff of seven, focuses on servicing the personal
banking needs of the community. Teller services are available through two
in-branch ABMs that provide round-the-clock access to accounts and cash
transactions. The Bridges is open five days a week with extended hours:

    -   Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
    -   Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and
    -   Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m."Each branch we open is carefully designed to meet the needs of customers
in specific communities. In the case of The Bridges, this is a concept that
has been extremely well-received by customers in other communities in Calgary
and elsewhere around the province. Designed to complement other full-service
branches located nearby, The Bridges will focus on providing specialized
mortgage, borrowing and wealth management advice," explained Kowalski.
    These two new branches are 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, including a new, full-service branch in Strathmore, which opened
its doors yesterday. This represents 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.
    With the opening of West Springs and The Bridges, Scotiabank presently
operates 123 branches in the province.

    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.