TORONTO, Sept. 10,
2024 /CNW/ - BMO today celebrated the official
opening of BMO Academy, its new flagship learning and event
centre in downtown Toronto. This
state-of-the-art facility represents BMO's single largest
investment in learning and development in 30 years, marking a
significant milestone in its commitment to employee skill building
and career growth.
BMO Academy is designed with the future in mind. Modern and
digitally enabled, it offers a hybrid learning environment that
supports a seamless blend of in-person and virtual experiences.
From learning sessions and strategic planning to town halls and
team celebrations, BMO Academy is equipped to host a diverse array
of events that foster innovation, collaboration, and professional
advancement.
"BMO's investment in this unique, ultra-modern learning facility
in the heart of Toronto's
Yonge-Dundas neighbourhood underscores our dedication to nurturing
the growth of our people and building a culture of continuous
learning across the bank," said Mona
Malone, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of People,
Culture & Brand, BMO. "BMO Academy provides a dynamic and
sustainable space where our teams can engage in transformative
learning experiences and collaboration opportunities. This space
will have a significant impact on BMO employees, customers, and the
surrounding community as we continue to drive progress for a
thriving economy, sustainable future and inclusive society. We are
proud to welcome BMO employees to BMO Academy."
The Forum meeting space at BMO Academy seats up to 500 people
and is dividable into three rooms. It features a state-of-the-art
audiovisual system, six digitally-enabled classrooms, and six flex
spaces for smaller break outs and group discussions. The facility
configuration ensures every space has multi-purpose use; all
furniture is flexible and moveable to suit different learning and
event needs.
"This building was designed to encourage personal connection and
it is a critical part of how we approach a hybrid learning
environment," said George Della
Rocca, Global Head, Corporate Real Estate, BMO. "The
innovative facility fosters sustainable, accessible and inclusive
work to support the progress of our colleagues, customers, and the
community. BMO Academy is an important part of our broader
investment in our modernized global real estate footprint."
BMO Academy was designed and built with environmentally friendly
design techniques, materials, and technologies to meet the highest
standard for sustainability – LEED Gold certification – reinforcing
BMO's commitment to a sustainable future. The mechanical and
electrical systems, automated lighting, and efficient water system
enable energy conservation, while the centralized waste management
system is streamlining the volume of waste going to the
landfill.
BMO Academy's flexible and inclusive facilities are designed to
accommodate a wide range of needs, ensuring that every event,
whether an awards gala or a strategic planning session, can be
tailored to the specific requirements of employees and
partners.
BMO Academy is located on the top floor of BMO Place, the
bank's newest workspace that opened in April
2023. The 350,000 square foot repurposed department store is
home to over 3,200 BMO employees and equipped with new technology,
flexible workspaces, connection cafes and accessibility and
wellness features including: a Wellness Centre for meditation,
prayer and nursing; gender-neutral and barrier-free washrooms; a
smudging room and sharing circle; braille and voice-enabled
elevators; colour strategy that supports neurodiversity and aids in
navigation through the space; and newly opened outdoor terraces and
wellness rooms.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North
America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July
31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a
diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of
personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets
and investment banking products and services to 13 million
customers across Canada, the United
States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single
purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO
is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making
progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive
society.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
