One of six new branches planned for Alberta by Spring 2010

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Scotiabank opens the doors of its newest Calgary branch today. Located at 5000 - 356 Cranston Road SE in the Cranston Market, this 5,262 square foot, full-service banking centre offers a complete range of personal and business banking, borrowing, investing, wealth management and small business services. It is Scotiabank's 37th branch in the city of Calgary and 43rd in the greater Calgary area (includes Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, High River and Strathmore).

"Alberta has been the most active province for Scotiabank in Canada in terms of new branch openings over the past few years," said George Marlatte, Senior Vice-President, Prairie Region, Scotiabank. "Since December 2006, we have opened 13 new branches in Alberta, and will have opened another six new branches around the province by the time spring arrives."

"Calgary and area has been a key part of Scotiabank's growth strategy in Alberta, reflecting the enormous development we've seen, particularly in new subdivisions and neighbouring communities," added Sloane Muldoon Girardin, Vice-President, Alberta South & Kootenay District for Scotiabank. "Cranston is one of south Calgary's most vibrant new communities and we are delighted to introduce a new branch to the area."

With a team of 16 people, Cranston branch offers the following hours of operation and convenient features:

-   Open six days per week with extended hours:
        -  Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
        -  Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
        -  Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
    -   Personal banking services including day-to-day banking, home
        ownership solutions and long-term investment planning;
    -   Commercial banking facilities including small business financing and
        e-commerce services;
    -   Investment services from ScotiaMcLeod;
    -   Professional estate and trust services through Scotiatrust;
    -   Three in-branch 24/7 ABMs;
    -   Employees who can provide service in three other languages besides
        English, including French, Spanish, and Russian; and
    -   An easily accessible, convenient location with ample parking.

"Scotiabank is really excited to open a branch in Cranston. We're looking forward to getting involved in community activities and invite area residents to drop by and get to know us," added branch manager Randy Kowalchuk. "We're also thrilled to have two pairs of tickets to the sold-out Grey Cup, which will take place right here in Calgary on Sunday, November 29th, to give away exclusively to customers of our new branch."

With the opening of its Cranston location, Scotiabank presently operates 128 branches throughout Alberta.

In addition to Cranston and a new location in Edmonton, Scotiabank also has plans to open four more branches elsewhere in Alberta by Spring 2010.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 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 $462 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York (BNS) Stock Exchanges. For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.