Sioux Lookout’s Alterna Savings branch issues notice of closure to customers

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Through a letter that was issued to their customers, which was later confirmed by an Alterna Savings and Credit Union Ltd. representative, Sioux Lookouts Alterna Savings and Credit Union branch, located at 42 King Street, announced it will be closed as of Dec. 20.
In the letter to their customers, Alterna Savings and Credit Union Ltd. said staffing challenges at the local branch were an issue. Since the end of September, while trying to fill vacant roles, employees from Dryden and other Northwestern Ontario branches were commuting to work at the Sioux Lookout branch.
“As of the end of September 2019, all of our positions in the branch were unstaffed in spite of all our efforts to attract the people needed to fill our vacant positions. We advertised our jobs using every resource available – we even approached the local government for help. We truly did everything we could and we are deeply saddened that we have been unable to fill these vacant roles,” the letter to their customers states.
“For the last few months, we have been operating the branch with the support of employees who are commuting from Dryden and other Northwestern branches to serve you. As we are sure you can appreciate, this arrangement is unsustainable because winter driving conditions can be unsafe. As a result, and following careful consideration and consultation, we have made the very difficult decision to merge your local Alterna Savings branch with the Dryden branch location.
“The Sioux Lookout branch, located at 42 King St., Sioux Lookout, Ontario will be closed as of December 20, 2019. We are looking at ATM servicing options and product service fee concessions in order to make this transition easier. More information will be shared with you soon,” the letter further states
Following the branch closure, Sioux Lookout Alterna Savings and Credit Union customers will be able to use their banking services online, through their mobile app, and at the Dryden branch. Alterna Savings and Credit Union said account numbers and products will remain exactly the same.