Bank of Montreal

Built in 1912, the Bank of Montreal is valued as a good example of Edwardian era commercial architecture. Located amidst buildings of a smaller scale, the solid and substantial appearance of this building speaks to its original function, and exemplifies the image of security portrayed by the bank to inspire confidence in its customers. Original architectural features that have been retained include its sheet metal cornice and ground level fenestration of display windows, transoms and multiple entrances. Additionally, the locally-produced brick cladding of the building, now covered in stucco, distinguished the building as one of importance and permanence, given that the adjacent buildings were generally clad in less expensive wood siding.

As one of the few banks located in the Cloverdale area of Surrey during the early years of the twentieth century, the Bank of Montreal provided an essential service for many residents and was an important asset in the development of Cloverdale as the commercial centre of the municipality. It replaced an earlier, less imposing structure that the bank had occupied upon its arrival in 1909. Cloverdale was expanding rapidly due to the confluence of new railways and transportation routes in this area, and construction of this more impressive structure reflected local growth and prosperity. The bank occupied this building until the construction of larger premises in 1958, reflecting the continued growth of the community and the desire to modernize services. Since that time, the building has been used for general commercial purposes.