Affinity Credit Union CEO defends decision to leave St. Mary’s location

The CEO of Affinity Credit Union in Saskatoon is standing by his company’s decision to close its St. Mary’s location.

The location, which has been serving the surrounding community since 1949, is set to close its doors permanently in April due to challenges around safety in the area, sometimes leading to violence.

“It’s certainly something we don’t want to do,” CEO Mark Lane said.

“The decision to close here is in recognition that the neighbourhood surrounding St. Mary’s has experienced significant transformation, particularly in the last five or 10 years. We’re experiencing heightened safety concerns and we no longer feel we can consistently provide a safe environment for employees, members and the general public.”

Lane explained that issues in the community that spill over into the credit union’s building are a big reason why the company is leaving that location in April.

“Some of the social a societal challenges that are clearly evident in the neighbourhood do find their way onto the property and into the building from time to time. By anybody’s characterization, some of those can appear violent at times,” he explained.

“We’ve seen a spike in those over the course of the year and, frankly, it’s time,” Lane added.

“It’s very apparent to us that the physical health needs and the mental health needs of this community have grown to a point where they exceed the need for financial wellness.”

Over the coming months, Lane said the company will look at possibly relocating the operation to another part of the city and will explore ideas around new uses for the St. Mary’s property.

Lane said the decision to move shouldn’t be taken as a criticism of those working to address the issues. He said he thinks the situation needs to be tackled with a holistic approach.

“This is not a finger-pointing exercise in any direction. I really do believe – and the credit union believes – this is a societal challenge. It’s not a time for partisan politics or pointing the finger at any civic or provincial government,” Lane stated.

“This is a challenge for all of us, and we’re a part of that. Part of our contribution in the months ahead will be to consider how we might put this building and property to better use in the context of the challenges this community faces today.”

Lane reiterated that the decision wasn’t taken lightly.

“This was my home office from 2004 to 2007,” he said. “We recognize the change to the community, but feel compelled to make the change.”

While Lane didn’t want to point fingers, one business in the area that 650 CKOM spoke with suggested something needs to be done.

Keith Jorgenson owns Nestor’s Bakery just down the road from the credit union. He called on governments to do more to address the situation, which he said has been getting worse for some time.

“There’s been a progressive increase in homelessness and addictions (in the area) over the last number of years,” Jorgenson said.

“The analogy (I have) is like there’s been an engine light on for four or five years and something’s fallen off the car now. Hopefully it’s a wakeup call to government that a significant investment needs to be made in crime, addiction and mental health.”