National Bank Financial Group sponsors Héritage Montréal renovation courses

National Bank Financial Group is proud to be the main sponsor of Héritage Montréal’s renovation courses for 2009. This important commitment will help the organization present residential renovation courses given by building professionals, such as architects and engineers.

Homeowners, or future homeowners, who sign up for these courses can learn about the best ways to maintain, renovate or restore their home, regardless of the age or architectural style of the property.

The registration period for this popular series of home renovation courses begins in March 2009. The courses fulfill a need for information on routine problems associated with the various structural components of a house, the causes of problems, and solutions that respect a home’s architectural features.

The series of seven courses, which costs just $299, is offered in English at Dawson College on Wednesday evenings from March 25 to May 6 and in French at UQAM on Tuesday evenings from March 24 to May 5. The courses begin at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.

Each course covers a specific subject:

- The architecture of Montreal homes throughout history
- General house inspection, and changes in styles of housing and building techniques
- Managing a renovation project
- Foundations and structure
- Exterior walls, roofs and insulation
- Doors, windows and exterior woodwork
- Mechanical and electrical systems in a home

Offered since 1981, Héritage Montréal courses have already helped more than 6,000 Montreal homeowners make wise investments in their home.

To sign up for the renovation courses or learn more about Héritage Montréal, go to www.heritagemontreal.org or call 514-286-2662 to speak with a representative of the organization.

More information about the many activities and projects that National Bank Financial Group undertakes to fully assume its responsibility toward the community can be found in the Bank’s Social Responsibility Report, available at www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility.

About National Bank of Canada
National Bank of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009, is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has close to $137 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 17,199 people. The Bank’s securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA:TSX). For more information, visit the Bank’s website at www.nbc.ca.

About Héritage Montréal
A private not-for-profit organization founded in 1975, Héritage Montréal works to promote and protect the architectural, historic, natural and cultural heritage of Montreal neighbourhoods and communities.  At the centre of a vast network of partnerships, Héritage Montréal works through education and representation to promote the harmonious and effective integration of heritage, environmental and social elements in a model of urban development that ensures economic viability and cultural sustainability.

Information (The telephone numbers provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.):

Denis Dubé
Senior Manager, Public Relations
National Bank Financial Group
Tel.: 514-394-8644

Amélie Renouf
Coordinator – Educational Activities
Héritage Montréal
514-286-2662, ext. 26