HSBC in Thunder Bay, Ontario to close in 2017, eight staffers affected

In a move that will put six full-time and two part-time staff out of work, the Thunder Bay, Ontario branch of the HSBC will close its doors in 2017, largely due to changes in the way people manage their finances.

Fewer customers visiting the branch is the primary reason for the closure, said HSBC spokesperson Sharon Wilkes.

"We're just seeing decreases in the traffic in our branch network," Wilkes said, "so, we have made some adjustments to our network, and that includes the closure of our Thunder Bay branch."

Despite the closure of the branch on Alloy Drive in Thunder Bay, HSBC will be ensuring that their customers are looked after, Wilkes said.

"If you have existing products with us, we will continue to service those products. By and large, you can service most of your existing banking online or through the phone line," she said, "unfortunately, for things where we actually need you to sit in front of us, we're not going to be able to offer new products to Thunder Bay residents, because we won't have a physical presence anymore."

Customers will still be able to use specific ATMs in the city with no additional fees, Wilkes said, and branch staff will work with impacted customers -- either to set up and teach them to use our digital services or to arrange alternate banking services.

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