One of the busiest retail stores in Kelowna will soon be moving to a new location nearby.
On Tuesday evening, the city council approved a motion by Costco to move from its current location at the corner of Highways 33 and 97 to vacant land less than a kilometer away.
Costco’s new location is on six acres at the intersection of Leckie and Springfield Streets.
The proposal includes a gas bar and a warehouse with an area of 15,500 square meters.
Continue reading:
The Kelowna Costco relocation controversy continues to mount ahead of the public hearing
The council voted 7-2 in favor of the move, which will see Costco grow around 25 percent in size, although the 800-meter move encountered resistance from some of the area’s residents, with traffic issues being the main concern.
The story continues under the advertisement
Still, the council agreed to the proposal, stating that it was important to keep Costco in Kelowna rather than possibly losing it to another community like West Kelowna.
“I think it’s really very important that we keep Costco in the central area,” said Councilman Gail Given.
Traffic was also an issue, according to Costco as it has been working with the city on traffic improvements for the site since 2019.
In his presentation to the city council, Costco said the new location on Springfield, Leckie and Baron Streets will have an impact on neighboring streets. Saturday is the main day with an average of 1,581 visits on this day.
Costco estimates there will be 177 additional visits to the new website, but added that the new website will have better customer access.
1:45
The Kelowna Costco relocation controversy continues to mount ahead of the public hearing
The controversy surrounding the Kelowna Costco relocation continues to mount ahead of the January 6, 2021 public hearing
Alderman Brad Seven said the new location is a drag in terms of traffic, but “there are some benefits to being in the core (of Kelowna).”
The story continues under the advertisement
Councilor Luke Stack said, “When looking at the traffic issues, I’m pretty pleased that they found some good answers.”
Councilor Charlie Hodge voted against, saying traffic was a problem but its main reason was because it was engulfing potential residential land.
“This is prime land for housing,” said Hodge. “When I look at my head, I see a large retail building and a huge parking lot.
“I have a hard time looking at such a prime piece of land in this area – and Councilor Stack said, ‘There isn’t that much land in our town.'”
2:20
The proposed location for a new Costco location in Kelowna is causing controversy
The planned location for the new Costco location in Kelowna is causing controversy – November 24, 2020
Mayor Colin Basran voted in favor but said his goal is to densify Kelowna and increase local public transport, not vehicle traffic.
The story continues under the advertisement
“Some of the comments that have been made agreed with me and things that I am fully committed to, as you know,” Basran said.
“But I think Councilor Stack used the word compromise. For me it’s balance. There I try to approach it. “
Basran said, “If we refuse, it will either be moved to another community – where the majority of our residents visit the business – or we will approve in that location in a more urban setting where we can then work with the applicant on one Transit plan for his employees. “
Similar news
© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
