One of the most talked-about new developments in recent Kelowna history is set to open its doors.
Kelowna’s Costco announced Friday that its new warehouse will open to customers on Feb. 17, with no disruption to service as the other closes down. Already, the Costco 24-pump gas station has opened, offering lower gas prices than nearby competitors.
The new warehouse is 167,177 square feet versus 135,000 square feet and required adding dozens of new staff members to its current employee roster of 450.
The new store, bounded by Springfield, Leckie and Baron roads, has not been without controversy in the year since it was announced.
It was met with dozens of letters of opposition at a council meeting in January 2021, with area residents citing concerns such as property devaluation from constant noise, increased traffic, a non-stop flow of shoppers and lost agricultural land.