CALGARY, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Scotiabank's newest Calgary branch, Aspen Woods, opens for business this morning. Located at 372 Aspen Glen Landing, this 5,500 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 38th branch in the city of Calgary. Earlier this month, Scotiabank also opened a new full-service branch in Cranston.

"Over the past few years, Scotiabank has actively been expanding its presence in new subdivisions and growing neighbourhoods in Calgary and other communities throughout Alberta. We are delighted to be moving into Aspen, one of Calgary's most sought-after new communities for people and families looking for more spacious homes and properties, great community facilities and easy access to the mountains," said John Kowalski, Vice-President, Calgary District for Scotiabank. "Scotiabank has invested $1.9 million in this new branch to meet the financial needs of area residents."

With a team of 15 people, Scotiabank's new Aspen Woods 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.
    -  Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 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;
    -  Two in-branch and one drive-through ABM;
    -  Employees who can provide service in four other languages besides
       English, including French, Korean, Spanish and Farsi; and
    -  An easily accessible, convenient location with ample parking.

"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 Anna Clarkson.

With the opening of its new Aspen location, Scotiabank presently operates 131 branches throughout Alberta. Scotiabank has also been busy expanding elsewhere in the province throughout November. In addition to its two newest Calgary branches, Scotiabank has also opened two new branches in Edmonton and a new location in Lethbridge this month. It has plans to open a third new Edmonton branch in 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.