Historical Vignettes: Hamilton Branch

On November 1, 2012, United Ukrainian Credit Union on Barton Street in Hamilton opened its doors as the newest branch of Ukrainian Credit Union Limited. The following is a brief history of United Ukrainian Credit Union.

UUCU building on Barton Street in Hamilton

History of United Ukrainian Credit Union

The credit union movement began in Canada in the early 1900s with financial co-operatives being established. The first Ontario credit union was incorporated in 1928. As Ukrainian immigrants settled in the Hamilton area, a small group of them inspired by the co-operative spirit decided to establish their own credit union and in October 1943, the Ukrainian (Hamilton) Credit Union Ltd. was opened by members of the Ukrainian National Federation. It was the first Ukrainian credit union in Ontario. Soon afterwards three other Hamilton Ukrainian credit unions were founded. All four credit unions existed individually for some 25 years when it became evident that due to the cost of technological advances and for economic reasons, it would be beneficial to amalgamate.

In January 1976, United Ukrainian Credit Union Limited was born and received its Certificate of Amalgamation. The three founding credit unions were, St. Vladimir (Hamilton) Credit Union Limited, Ukrainian (Hamilton) Credit Union Limited and Holy Ghost Parish (Hamilton) Credit Union Limited. Since its amalgamation, UUCU has come a long way in the past 30 years, with current assets of $41 million and 2,000 members. Time itself has justified the expedience of the amalgamation and the truth in the slogan “Strength in Unity”.

UUCU was a strong supporter of the Hamilton area Ukrainian-Canadian community, (cultural groups, organizations, schools and community projects). This tradition of support for the community will be continued by Ukrainian Credit Union Limited - our slogan is "Building Community".

Staff from various departments of the newly merged credit union
gather to greet members on the first day of operations of
Ukrainian Credit Union's new Hamilton Branch

For more photos of opening day please visit the "Day one in Hamilton" album on our FB page.

Other photos of Hamilton can be found here: UUCU votes to unite with UCU.