Out of service since August 28, the Desjardins ATM in Saint-Polycarpe will not be reopened. The equipment will be removed as of December 8.

"The decision to close is based on the situation, which called for the ATM to be completely replaced, as well as on the noticeable decline in ATM use since 2019," says Desjardins Vaudreuil-Soulanges Communications Manager Richard Dubois.

Last August, the ATM on rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste was vandalized, necessitating the complete replacement of the machine.

The Saint-Polycarpe counter is not the first to close its doors. Other small Quebec municipalities have also lost theirs. The use of online services, notably via the AccèsD application, would explain the gradual disappearance of ATMs. 

According to Dubois, transaction volume at the Saint-Polycarpe ATM has fallen by 35% since 2019. 

"98% of Caisse transactions are made elsewhere than at one of the tellers or ATMs, as our members make greater use of online services via the AccèsD application or desjardins.com," adds the Communications Manager. 

To date, no other closures are planned in the territory. 

"We continually evaluate how members use our services, so that we can adapt them to their needs. This is part of our responsibility to ensure the Caisse's continuity. Should other ATMs be withdrawn in the future, members will be informed in full transparency," emphasizes Dubois.

There are four other Desjardins ATMs in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. In addition, there are service centers. Saint-Polycarpe residents still have the option of going to the nearest service center, in Saint-Zotique. 

"We are currently contacting the major users of the Saint-Polycarpe ATM to inform them and give them alternatives. Most merchants accept debit or credit payment," says Richard Dubois.

A familiarization workshop

Aware that the permanent closure of the Saint-Polycarpe ATM will require adaptation and a change in habits, the Caisse will be holding a workshop for its members to familiarize them with digital solutions. 

This workshop, given in collaboration with the Centre communautaire des aînés de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, will enable members to learn more about Desjardins' online tools and how to use them. 

The workshop will be held on January 16 at 10 a.m. at the Pavillon Entre-Nous in Saint-Polycarpe. Members wishing to attend must register in advance. Details will be announced shortly.