Costco!

People are talking. Lots of people are talking! The Mayor denied that any applications were on file yet from Costco (or words to that effect) at a recent Town Hall. But, at the same Town Hall a resident said he spoke to a surveyor out at Lyons Court and Ramblewood who said that was exactly what was going on out there.

So, the next time I went to Costco in Barrie, I asked staff and sure enough, they shared that some of them are looking forward to working at the new location because they live in Wasaga Beach.

Other Facebook posts indicate others have spoken to Costco Staff and have had similar experiences.

So… it sure sounds like Costco is coming. Looking at the breakneck speed of the land preparation progress, I would say sooner rather than later.

What will this mean for Wasaga Beach? Well some good paying jobs are a definite plus. For many locals, one less drive to Barrie each week will be a benefit.

Wasaga Beach will also see an increase of visits from residents from other communities (primarily west of us) who will drive to Wasaga Beach for their $1.50 hot dog/ pop combo. Will they stop at other businesses in town while here? I hope so. I often stop at other places when I go to Costco in Barrie, or Orillia.

Are there down sides? Sure… our Council is trying to build a downtown beside a Walmart. Now, both Walmart AND downtown will lose out on all of the commerce that will be dedicated to Costco. I personally wonder if the reason we are not hearing anything official yet is because the Council is trying to offer a $20 Million parking garage to get Costco at Beach One?

I truly hope the impending arrival and opening is true. Imagine the increased casino revenue as another big draw pulls people past the casino entrance to get to Costco. Don’t forget, we get a piece of THAT money. (It is presently squandered but future Councils can spend it wisely.

What a great thing for the West End. I would imagine this will help fill out some of the commercial space which could include Hotels and Restaurants. This might even have future Councils ensure the Mosley Street West expansion becomes a priority before the ten year projection heard at the recent Town Hall.

Finally, isn’t this a property the present Council included in their requested police investigation into actions of the previous Council? Hmmm…. Perhaps ensuring Zancor finally controlled the land legally was the right thing to do after all. When it comes to judging the ownership history of these lands, let’s not forget the 2014-18 Mayor Smith planned to give the property to a new Hospital build.

Finally, after years of hearing these lands were going to be used as employment lands, it looks like we are finally “shovels in ground”. Will it be Costco?

Don’t count on it until we hear officially from Costco but my fingers are crossed.