In 2012 we redesigned a handful of our branches to help us be more responsive to their communities and support our business model of member-led innovation. These prototype branches act as community hubs where members can get the financial services and advice they need, while helping us build the local community.

Some features include free meeting room space for community groups; a venue for local merchants and not-for-profit organizations to interact with members and share their story; professional meeting space for a small-business owner, not-for-profit organization or member to meet with a Vancity advisor; and a concierge who greets members and directs them to where their questions about financial services and advice can best be answered. The prototype branches feature artwork from local artists and a coin counter for members’ use. They were designed with the intention of obtaining LEED. Gold Certification.