Costco Eyes Third Halifax Location Amid Zoning Challenges

Plans for a third Costco location in Nova Scotia have sparked considerable interest, though municipal hurdles may delay its development. The proposed site in Middle Sackville, which would become Costco’s sixth location in the Maritimes, is generating excitement among local residents. Marc Ouellet, the senior planning manager at Armco Capital, the developer of the area, confirmed Costco’s interest but cautioned that the store is not imminent.

During a town hall meeting on September 15, 2023, Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore reignited discussions about the potential store. He stated that Costco is actively exploring this site as a leading candidate for their third store in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Fillmore remarked, “This is still at a very early stage, but as I understand it, Costco is exploring the possibility of opening a third store in HRM, with this location as the leading candidate. That’s a strong signal that a major business wants to invest here, and now our job is to ensure the site is ready to make that happen.”

Despite the enthusiasm, local councillor John Young emphasized that no guarantee exists for the store’s opening. He took to social media to clarify that while discussions are ongoing, confirmation of a Costco in Middle Sackville is still pending. Young indicated that a future community meeting would be held to gather feedback on the potential development.

Ouellet highlighted significant zoning issues as a primary obstacle for the proposed store. He noted that the municipality requires a re-evaluation of zoning regulations and an expansion of the urban service boundary to allow access to essential municipal water and wastewater utilities. “So this is the only jurisdiction I know in Canada that you have Costco at the table, and you have municipal officials putting roadblocks in front of them,” he stated.

A spokesperson for HRM acknowledged the situation but refrained from offering specific comments. They noted that during a council meeting on June 19, 2023, council members opted to follow staff recommendations, which included excluding changes to the development site from the regional plan.

As discussions continue, the potential for a third Costco location remains a topic of interest and concern for residents in Middle Sackville. The outcome of future community meetings and municipal decisions will play a crucial role in determining whether this project comes to fruition.