Community Rallies Against RBC Sargent Avenue Branch Closure

Residents of Winnipeg’s Sargent Avenue neighbourhood recently staged a demonstration protesting the planned closure of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) branch located at that address. The protest, organized by community activists and concerned citizens, highlighted the potential negative impacts of the closure on vulnerable populations and the local economy.

Organizers expressed concerns that the closure would disproportionately affect seniors, low-income individuals, and those with mobility issues, who rely on the branch for essential banking services. Many argued that online banking is not a viable option for everyone, citing limited internet access, lack of digital literacy, and a preference for in-person assistance. The loss of the physical branch presents a significant barrier for these individuals, forcing them to travel further to access banking services, incurring additional costs and potential hardship.

The protest drew a diverse crowd, including local business owners who fear the closure will negatively impact their operations. They noted that the branch provides crucial support for managing their finances, and its absence will make it more difficult to deposit cash, obtain loans, and access other essential banking services. Some fear that the closure will lead to a decline in foot traffic in the area, further impacting local businesses.

Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of RBC’s social responsibility to the community. They argued that the bank has a duty to provide accessible banking services to all residents, regardless of their income or technological proficiency. Chants of “Save our branch!” and “RBC, listen to us!” echoed through the street as protesters marched in front of the bank, holding signs with slogans such as “Don’t abandon our community” and “Accessibility matters.”

The protesters delivered a petition to the branch manager, outlining their demands and calling on RBC to reconsider its decision. They urged the bank to engage in meaningful consultations with the community to explore alternative solutions that would address RBC’s business needs while preserving access to banking services for local residents. The community expressed hope that RBC would recognize the vital role the Sargent Avenue branch plays in the neighbourhood and reconsider its closure plan. The organizers vowed to continue their fight to keep the branch open, emphasizing the importance of maintaining financial accessibility and supporting the vitality of the Sargent Avenue community.