The closure of four Desjardins credit unions in Ontario has sparked a reaction from the community, which is strongly attached to its counters. Desjardins cites a sustained decline in traffic over the last five years in these branches to justify its decision.
It hurts me
saddens Robert Couture, a 79-year-old resident of Limoges who is campaigning for his credit union to remain open.
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Citizens are opposed to the closure of their Desjardins fund in Limoges.
Photo: - / Mario De Ciccio
The service centers affected are those of Bourget, Saint-Eugène, Limoges and Saint-Isidore. They will close their doors on November 22.
It’s going to be a big blow for Limoges
believes another member of Desjardins, Rhéal Giroux.
I walk to the checkout two to three times a week
adds Robert Couture. These customers will have to resort to traveling to Embrun or Casselman to make their transactions in person.
As for Holly Landry, the only reason she was a Desjardins member was the proximity of the credit union. I think I’m going to close my accounts and I’m going to go elsewhere
she said.
Everyone has their branch at their fingertips
Desjardins says this decision is intimately linked
to traffic in branches.
Today, everyone has their branch at their fingertips
explains Ontario Vice-President, Member Experience and Individual Market, Stéphan Plante.
At Desjardins, 96% of transactions are done automatically, 3% at ATMs and 1% at the counter, reports the manager.
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The traffic at the Saint-Isidore branch was not enough to keep it open, according to Desjardins.
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In the four service centers scheduled to close, traffic is below the normal usage threshold. Mr. Plante expects customers to move to other nearby branches.
Support will be offered to members to help them with the transition. As for the employees, they will all keep their positions and will be moved.
Are more closures expected? We are very, very comfortable with the seven remaining service centers
replies Stéphan Plante. These are strategically placed
says the manager who does not foresee any new closures in the short term.
Online transactions: not easy for the elderly
The mayor of La Nation, Francis Brière, thought of the elderly people in his community when he heard the news. His mother is perfect example
he said.
At 75 years old, she always used to go with her billsher bills to the bank and she paid everything to the bank
.
I’m showing him how to do this with his phone
explains the mayor, but it’s not easy.
According to him, the community has an emotional attachment to this French-speaking service.
Modernization hurts.
It’s valuable for older people
says Robert Couture who recalls that some do not have a telephone and relied on the services of the fund.
With information from Mario De Ciccio
