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Now offering insurance in Burns Lake!

Announcing the addition of a new insurance office

Bulkley Valley Insurance Services Acquires Western Financial Group’s Burns Lake Branch

Local acquisition supports community growth and strategic transformation for both organizations

Burns Lake, BC, August 19, 2025 – Western Financial Group and Bulkley Valley Insurance Services (BVIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU), would like to announce that BVIS is acquiring the Burns Lake branch, effective September 1, 2025.

Bulkley Valley Credit Union, located in the same plaza as Western’s Burns Lake branch, expressed interest in acquiring the location to support their growth and further deepen its community roots. The opportunity aligned naturally with Western’s strategic direction, making the decision a positive one for both companies and the clients they care for.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Burns Lake branch into the BVIS family,” said Jana Lukasek, CEO of Bulkley Valley Credit Union. “As a community-based organization, we’re excited to grow our footprint and continue delivering personalized insurance solutions to our neighbours in Burns Lake.”

“We’re proud of the legacy our Burns Lake team has built and grateful for the community’s support over the years,” said Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group. “This transition reflects our commitment to evolving our business while ensuring our clients continue to receive exceptional service from a trusted local provider.”

Western and BVCU have deep roots in the Burns Lake community, and this transition reflects their shared dedication to serving local clients with care and continuity. Clients of the Burns Lake branch can expect a seamless transition, with familiar faces and continued support from BVIS starting September 1.

About Western Financial Group Inc.

Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company that has provided over one million Canadians with protection for over 100 years. Western, a proudly Canadian company, is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in over 200 communities, affiliates, and various connected channels.

Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do—it’s who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work, and play. To date, we have granted over $9 million back into our communities. Visit https://westernfinancialgroup.ca/ for more information.

About Bulkley Valley Insurance Services:

Bulkley Valley Insurance Services was formed in 2005 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bulkley Valley Credit Union, who has served the Bulkley Valley for over 80 years.  BVIS has offices in both Smithers and Houston and is excited to expand its borders and service the needs of the Burns Lake community.  BVCU and BVIS are proud to provide excellent services and products to our local community members.

For more information, contact:

Nichola Petts, Manager – Media & Public Relations, Western Financial Group, Nichola.petts@westernfg.ca

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