Some chartered bank notes are still redeemable...
According to the Charlton Canadian Bank Notes, 6th Edition, p.xvi, the Bank Act of 1890 provided for a fund to guarantee redemption of notes from banks that failed after 1890. So, if the bank merged with another to form a bank that is presently in business, or if the bank outright failed AFTER 1890, then the notes are still redeemable. If the bank failed prior to 1890, then they're not redeemable.
At the top-right of the header information for each bank in the CBN6 (and 5, and 4 at least), it tells you quite clearly whether or not notes from that bank are still redeemable.
While notes are technically still redeemable, most chartered banks will likely give you a fair bit of grief if you try to do so, simply from lack of knowledge, and probably thinking "aren't these worth something? Why are you depositing them?" If you want to deposit your chartered notes, sell them to me at $1 over face and make a profit.
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BWJM, F.O.N.A.
Life Member of CPMS, RCNA, ONA, ANA, IBNS, WCS.
President, IBNS Ontario Chapter.
Treasurer, Waterloo Coin Society.
Show Chair, Cambridge Coin Show.
Fellow of the Ontario Numismatic Association.