Is a new Costco coming to Mississauga, Ontario?

Documents circulating at City Hall show Costco wants to open one of its retail warehouses in the northwest corner of Mississauga near Milton.

A proposal prepared to go before a City committee and seen by insauga.com shows the retail giant 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 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 officially 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.

As well, plans call for a redesign of the outside parking area.

Although word of Costco coming to town is usually welcomed news, the location of this proposed warehouse could be seen as a mixed blessing to Milton residents who have long decried its absence in their community while Mississauga already has three locations.

Still, this newest proposed location is situated right off Hwy. 401 and is about 15 minutes away from most Milton residents. However, those looking for the regular Costco experience may still have to travel to Burlington or the Mississauga/Oakville location.

A factor that could affect the plans is the future use of the proposed site. SmartCentres, operators of the plaza at Argentia and Winston Churchill, have offered up portions of the site for redevelopment that could replace many of the stores with housing.

A map of the proposed development area shows stores on the southside of the plaza could be replaced, but not the area where Costco is being considered.