The BMO Bank of Montreal in Cloverdale is marking its 100th anniversary during a special celebration on Oct. 2.

On Oct. 4, 1909, the BMO was the first bank to open in Cloverdale. It was located within a modest wooden building near the B.C. Electric Railway line near the corner of New McLellan Road and what was then Clover Valley Road.

The building was later relocated up the street and became part of the Parr Block. It served as a pool room for many years.

In 1913 the bank leased space in a two-storey brick building near the current premises. At the time, Surrey had a population of 3,500 and Cloverdale was considered the municipal centre. There were no paved roads and it took the better part of a day to go to New Westminster and back with a team of horses and wagon.

On Oct. 2, Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts will kick off the official ceremonies for the bank’s 100th anniversary party (at the branch, 5711 176A St.). The festivities – including a barbecue, coffee, cake, door prizes and giveaways will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BMO will also present a donation of $5,000 to the SOS Children's Village. The money was raised through the Employees Charitable Foundation.

“In celebrating our 100th anniversary, we want to acknowledge and thank our customers for their long-standing support," said Jamie McLean, manager of the BMO CLoverdale branch. "We are proud to have contributed to the social and business life of Cloverdale over the past 100 years and to have helped our customers achieve their financial goals."

Since its founding in Canada in 1817, BMO has played a significant role in projects key to the growth of the country, including the construction of the first canals, telegraphs and railways – most notably Canadian Pacific’s transcontinental line. The bank was also responsible for the first Canadian currency, which it issued until the Bank of Canada was created in 1935.