Kuujjuaq’s bank is back in business

Kuujjuaq’s CIBC branch has reopened 570 Katingajiit Rd., following the March fire that burned its previous building to the ground. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

KUUJJUAQ – Business is back to normal at Kuujjuaq’s Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce branch.

The CIBC opened a temporary branch in a former Hydro Quebec building on Katingajiit Rd. March 30 after a fire destroyed the bank’s previous Kuujjuaq location earlier that month.

“Business volumes returned to normal on day one at the branch,” said CIBC spokesman Geoff Dillon. “We’ve heard from many of our clients that they are glad to be able to once again interact with the staff at the branch in person rather than over the phone.”

For about three weeks following the March 6 fire, CIBC customers had to rely on internet, telephone and mail banking.

At CIBC’s new branch, the only full-service bank in the community, service at a 24-hour automatic banking machine service has also been restored.

“We would encourage any clients who may still be holding on to a cheque or other form of deposit that could not be deposited when the branch was closed to visit the branch as soon as they can to deposit the funds for safekeeping,” Dillon said.

The CIBC’s original Airport Rd. branch was completely levelled in an early morning fire March 6, which is said to have originated in the building’s furnace room. What remained of the building was hauled off to the dump soon after, leaving little trace of the former structure.

Kuujjuaq’s CIBC branch at 570 Katingajiit Rd. offers full services Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..