Costco is poised to expand its presence in Regina, Saskatchewan, as plans for a second location in the city clear a significant regulatory hurdle.
The City of Regina’s planning department has given the green light to a development application for a new Costco store, marking a crucial step forward in the retailer’s expansion strategy. The approval, granted last week, comes after a thorough review process that began in late July of this year.
The proposed location for the new Costco warehouse is strategically positioned in Regina’s west end, adjacent to the Westerra neighbourhood at 8701 Dewdney Avenue. The site falls within the city’s existing zoning regulations, eliminating the need for additional approval from the Regina City Council.
Spanning about 160,000 square feet, the warehouse will offer ample space for Costco’s bulk merchandise and diverse product range. In addition to the main store, the development plans include an on-site gas station, catering to the needs of motorists in the area with discounted gas.
Costco has incorporated extensive parking facilities into the project design. The plans outline provisions for 1,284 standard parking stalls, complemented by 16 accessible parking spaces, ensuring adequate accommodation for shoppers during peak hours.
Public engagement played a crucial role in the approval process, with the City of Regina actively soliciting feedback from residents. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 566 individuals—representing 91 percent of the total 620 comments received—expressing support for the new Costco location.
The proposal was met with a handful of critics. Nineteen respondents voiced opposition to the project, citing concerns about potential traffic impacts, questioning the appropriateness of the location, and expressing a preference for smaller-scale retail developments. Additionally, 35 individuals indicated conditional support, suggesting modifications to certain aspects of the plan, such as fuel station offerings and measures to mitigate traffic congestion.
While the approval from the planning department marks a significant milestone for the project, Costco has yet to announce a specific timeline for construction and opening of the new warehouse.
Regina’s other Costco store at 2110 Anaquod Road opened in 2018. The store replaced a smaller location that opened in 1993.
