Our West Broadway branch is a small full-service branch operating successfully in an inner-city neighbourhood where 65% of households and 73% of children live in poverty. It’s an example of how we said “yes” to a neighbourhood when other financial institutions said “no.”

Read Valerie Tonner's story below:

Valerie Tonner worked all of her life without ever using a credit card.

She built her own massage therapy business, raised her daughter on her own and bought a car without credit. But when she wanted to buy a newly renovated, older home as part of an inner-city housing renewal program, her financial institution thought it was too risky. So did every other bank she went to. That is until she came to ACU’s West Broadway Branch.

Her neighbourhood branch manager Brian McIvor looked at all that Valerie had done and didn’t see a risk at all. As Valerie says, “Brian gave me credit for what I’d done where others wouldn’t.”

Four years have passed since Valerie bought her home for $46,000 for her and her daughter and the dog she always wanted. She and Brian now think her home is worth $90,000, which certainly makes it a sound investment.

At Assiniboine, we find ways to say “yes” to more people like Valerie. By providing access to the financial services they need, we’re helping individuals build their assets and strengthen their communities.