Bank celebrates 100 years on Danforth
Customer with longest tenure honoured at ceremony
When then 18-year-old Diane Fotopoulos opened her Scotiabank account on Nov. 9, 1954, she probably didn’t think she would be returning to the same location for nearly 60 years.
But then again, it’s not many bank branches that have been oven for a century either.
Fotopoulos, who bought a hair salon on Pape Avenue by the Danforth in the mid-’60s close to the bank branch, has nothing but good things to say about being so close to Scotiabank.
“They’re very good neighbours,” she said.
One of the most touching moments of the evening is when Fotopoulos was recognized as the branch’s customer with the longest tenure.
Members of the community gathered over souvlakis and spanakopita to celebrate.
Branch manager Dimitri Nistas commended his staff for making the branch a cornerstone of the community.
“This is a milestone,” he said. “Over the years, we’ve helped customers realize their financial goals and helped the neighbourhood grow into a vibrant and thriving business community.”
Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns noted that 100 years ago, the area mostly consisted of farm fields and a few residential homes.
“They’ve grown with the community, they made the money available for people to buy houses, to build businesses, and they’ve done an extraordinary job,” Tabuns said. “For them to be here for a century says they built confidence with the community.”
Fotopoulos’s son John, who grew up along the Danforth, remembers a very different area from today.
“I remember from when I was young, they used to deliver the milk via horse and buggy,” he said.
He said pictures of the now-defunct Harbord streetcar running along Pape Avenue also brought back memories.
The bank branch has played a similar role for Ward 29 councillor Mary Fragedakis.
“This is the bank that I’ve grown up walking by my whole life, so it’s a pleasure to be here with you to celebrate this event,” she said. “Here’s to the next 100 years.”
Fragedakis and Ward 30 councillor Paula Fletcher presented a plaque congratulating the branch on their 100th anniversary from the mayor and city council.
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