A customer of the 91原创 City Scotiabank branch took a step inside and halted at the sight of a sizable crowd of people.

鈥淲e鈥檙e open, come on in,鈥� Lesly Tayles said, directing him to a teller.

Tayles, Scotiabank senior vice-president of the B.C. and Yukon region, was on hand for the recent opening of the new branch, located at 20151 Fraser Hwy.

Tayles said the site was chosen because that was 鈥渨here our customers are moving.鈥�

鈥淲e are proud to invest in 91原创,鈥� Tayles added.

91原创 is one of the fastest growing communities in the B.C. market, she said.

READ MORE: City council vote paves way for new bank

Meanwhile, branch manager Kelly Burkinshaw explained that it took several years to find a spot.

The old branch in the Highland Plaza, which opened 50 years ago, was showing signs of age despite repeated renovations and updates, Burkinshaw said.

鈥淭here was only so much we could do.鈥�

At the old branch, there were eight wickets, which Burkinshaw said made sense back when internet banking and ATMs were not around. But fewer are required in the current era, she explained, noting: 鈥淲e were only using three or four wickets.鈥�

There are fewer wickets and more space in the new place, with a large 鈥榯eam room鈥� for staff meetings.

There is a new position, 鈥榰niversal banker,鈥� which refers to a staffer who helps customers learn the features of the new facility.

And at the new branch, the ATM can dispense $5, $10 bills instead of just $20.

It is also redefining banker hours, staying open as late at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

Jennifer Lee, Scotiabank vice-president of the Greater Vancouver south district B.C. and Yukon region, said the search for a new home started 鈥渟ix to eight years ago.鈥�

鈥淚t was quite a while before we found the perfect spot,鈥� Lee said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 long overdue.鈥�

At the Wednesday, April 17, openig, long-time Scotiabank customer Vern Keller did the honours of snipping the ribbon.

A retired construction workers who gives his age as 鈥�81 and a half,鈥� Keller said he鈥檚 been with the Scotiabank for almost 50 years 鈥� 15 in 91原创.

鈥淭his is a neat building,鈥� Keller said.鈥淚t鈥檚 bigger than it looks.鈥�

Burkinshaw said the move to the new 4,000-square-foot financial facility was completed in February, but the official ceremony was set for April to give time for the dust to settle.

The old branch won several awards through the years since it first opened.

In 2014, it was ranked second among all Scotiabank branches within the North Coast and Fraser Valley District, based on several metrics, including friendly customer service. The district consisted of 27 branches.

In 2015, the branch made the jump to number one.

It was also recognized as the top Scotiabank branch in the district, second in the entire province, and sixth among the 1,000 or so branches across Canada.

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Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com

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