The Sicamous branch of Salmon Arm Savings & Credit Union (SASCU) is investing in a new look with renovations that will start later this month.
A media release announcing the face lift assured members they will continue to be served throughout construction, which is set to begin on Tuesday, March 26.
“It won’t always be pretty or quiet, but we will make sure your banking needs are taken care of,” branch manager Eldon Kralkay assured in the release. “We ask for member and staff patience and flexibility during this necessary period to complete this great rebuild.”
The objective, the release adds, is to retain normal hours of operations, with temporary banking services being set up in a portion of the current office. A trailer will also be brought onsite to provide additional office and equipment room. Despite those efforts, some services will be temporarily impacted to accommodate the work, including: access to safety deposit boxes, which might require some wait times; the coin counter will be unavailable throughout construction; no public washrooms; space restrictions will require those with mobility scooters or wheelchairs to be served outside the front doors at a special kiosk; and the lobby ATM will be out of service for a period of time, but the drive-thru machine will remain unaffected.
The end result of the construction will be “a whole new branch” when it fully reopens in December, providing a modern banking experience.
The design will feature inspirations from Sicamous itself throughout the branch, which will include a community room for non-profit bookings, and an education centre where members can gain hands-on learning to improve their financial well-being.
The whole banking experience will also be improved by the SASCU Kids’ Quarters to keep them entertained, while parents can enjoy their favourite coffee drink from the new café.
Additionally, a better use of space and the implementation of digital capabilities, including the transition from paper to electronic files, will allow the branch to have a smaller footprint once the renovation is finished.
“I am extremely happy for our Sicamous-based members, our staff and the community that this work is getting underway,” SASCU president and CEO Barry Delaney said in the release. “This investment reflects our appreciation of our history in Sicamous, but even more so, it’s an indication of the future we see for the community.
“The new branch will be one that any community would be proud of and, more importantly, will serve our members in the best way possible for years to come.”
The tender process for the work closed last month, with the majority of the construction being done by local tradespeople.
Previews of the new branch will be released in the coming weeks.
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