A new Costco is on its way to South Surrey.
Surrey council voted to support third reading for the required rezoning and amendments needed for the project to move ahead at Monday night’s regular council meeting, after a public hearing was held.
Several city residents voiced their support, concerns as well opposition to the land-use application, which was submitted by Costco Wholesale Canada.
Many spoke in favour of the retailer’s proposal, noting that big-box stores including Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore are nearby, saying that not allowing a Costco facility would be discrimination.
“There’s always winners and losers in stuff like this, but I’m pro-Costco,” one speaker said at the hearing.
“This will also provide jobs for young people.”
Located at 1891 and 1947 164 St., the proposal will mean rezoning changes as well as changes to Surrey’s Official Community Plan, now that council has passed third reading on the new Costco location, which will feature a large store, gas station and parking lot with 989 spaces.
Rezoning will mean a portion of the site will change from business and industrial use to commercial status, while another portion will change from multiple residential to mixed employment designation.
An online petition opposed to the new Costco had garnered more than 900 signatures by Monday night (Nov. 17), however, citing a lack of infrastructure, traffic and safety concerns.
At Monday’s public hearing, Deb Jack from Surrey Environmental Partners noted the proposal has some good points, but told council “it would appear the least amount is being done” to protect environmentally sensitive areas like stream setbacks.
“A thousand trees are going to be killed — alder and cottonwood,” she said, and added the closest bus stop is 1,600 metres away. “That’s virtually a mile.”
Council’s vote to pass third reading means the project will move ahead.
In a statement on the city’s website, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said it is encouraging to see major employers like Costco continuing to invest in Surrey.
“It’s exciting to see this level of confidence and interest in our community.”