Huge new Costco location breaks ground in Ontario town

Residents and visitors of one of Ontario’s most popular beach towns–and one that is receiving a nearly $40 million revitalization–are getting closer to welcoming a new Costco location.

Earlier this month, work began on Costco’s new Wasaga Beach warehouse, a $50 million project that’s expected to create more than 370 jobs. 

“What a tremendous day as we officially broke ground on the new Costco site,” Ellen Timms, a Wasaga Beach city councillor, wrote on social media. 

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone,” she wrote, adding that construction is expected to take about 120 days. 

Photo from Timms’ official Facebook page

The new Costco was announced by the town in April. In a news release, the town, a popular summer hotspot at the southern end of Georgian Bay, said the project marked one of the most significant private-sector investments in the municipality’s history and is expected to provide major economic benefits once it opens in November. 

“This is a big moment for Wasaga Beach and something we know residents have been waiting for,” said Mayor Brian Smith in an April news release. 

“This council has been focused on attracting major investment that creates jobs, strengthens our economy, and builds a more sustainable tax base. Securing a globally recognized retailer like Costco speaks volumes about the confidence investors have in our community and where we are headed.”

The news release said the addition of the popular retailer is part and parcel of its plan to grow the beach town by attracting major employers–something it says will offset some of the tax pressures on residents.

Costco is not the only major company to set its sights on the town. Last year, the Town announced that Sunray Group was moving forward with plans to build an approximately $60 million Marriott hotel with a year-round restaurant, convention facilities, a fitness, spa, or pool area, commercial shops, and wedding facilities. 

Stonebridge Building Group is also constructing a $90 million mixed-use development in the town. 

According to an April news release, the new Costco will include a 162,000-square-foot warehouse, a tire centre, a gas bar, and a seasonal garden centre. 

It will open at 345 Lyons Court.