Will the proposed Costco satisfy Milton residents?

Reports out of Mississauga indicate a new Costco will be built very close to Milton.

But is it close enough and is it the type of Costco that Milton residents have longed for?

Documents that are set to go before a City of Mississauga committee suggest that Costco wants to open its new concept “business centre” at Winston Churchill Blvd. and Argentia Rd. in the plaza that also contains Walmart, Winners, Homesense and Staples. The plaza is located near Hwy. 401.

The plan calls for Costco to be located in the building that originally housed Rona but has been long vacant.

A Costco Business Centre sells different items than a regular Costco retail warehouse and specializes in extra bulk goods that cater to businesses. There are only six of these concept stores in Canada, the closest being in Scarborough. All Costco card-carrying members can shop at the business centre.

While neither Costco nor the City of Mississauga has confirmed the reports, documents show the plans call for maintaining the floor area of the existing building, which is approximately 128,000 square feet. but renovate the exterior to display the company brand.

Although word of Costco coming to town is usually welcomed news, the location of this proposed warehouse has been met with mixed results from Milton residents who want one in their own community even though the proposed location is a short drive away along the highway.

“Close, but not close enough,” wrote one Milton resident on a Facebook site. “I still think the one (Costco) in Burlington is closer so I will probably still go there.”

Others also pointed out that the new location will be a “business centre” and not as user-friendly as the regular Costco retail warehouses.

“I think Milton residents will be disappointed that this is not the Costco we’ve been looking for,” John Delmont told inhalton.com. “The business centres cater to businesses, not families. You can’t do your regular shopping there.”

Still, while an official green light has not been given to the project, some Milton residents are eager for it to arrive.

“We have to go to Mississauga to get a lot of stuff anyway so at least this one will be a lot closer,” another social media user commented. “Even though it looks to be a business centre, I will give it a try.”

A person associated with Costco told inhalton.com that this proposed location is a good one for customers because it is close to the highway.

“I can’t officially confirm that it will happen but look at where it will be located,” the representative told inhalton.com. “It would serve a large Mississauga community but also be close to Milton, Brampton and all of Halton Hills and communities west. It’s right off the highway and you can stop in on your way home from work. It’s kind of perfect.”