Public hearing set for proposed new Costco site

Kelowna council has considered a rezoning request and Official Community Plan change for a six-hectare property at the intersection of Leckie and Springfield roads, to allow for the proposed relocation of the Costco store.

The proposal, which includes a 167,000-square-foot warehouse, was given first reading and forwarded to a December 8 public hearing.

Kelowna current store is at the corner of Highways 97 and 33, but the company is looking for a larger site.

The proposed new location is behind the Real Canadian Superstore, about a kilometre away from the current store.

Many residents near the proposed site are raising concerns about the traffic impact, with the city saying Costco is committed to spending about two-million dollars on intersection improvements.

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The following are other highlights from Kelowna council’s Nov 23 meeting

Community low-carbon mobility strategy

Staff updated Council on the development of a Community Low-Carbon Mobility Strategy: Electric Vehicles and E-bikes. The report outlines the need to think strategically about EV/e-bike expansion to help meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, but also to support a growing consumer base. The full report can be found here.

Public art

Council heard an update on the City’s Public Art Program, including several current and future art commissions and initiatives. For a look at the public art projects and initiatives, read here.

City entrance sign

Council did not approve a proposed public art piece and welcome signage for the City’s northern boundary limits. The former ‘Welcome to Kelowna’ signage was removed in 2018 when Highway 97 was widened.