Is a new Costco coming to Oakville, Burlington or Milton?

It seems that every couple of months rumours appear claiming that a new Costco is about to open.

Milton residents have long-awaited news that the giant food and goods warehouse is coming to town.

And in Oakville and Burlington, rumours continue that Costco is destined for the Burloak Dr., and Wyecroft Rd, area.

For the most part, the rumours are fueled by wishing thinking, guesswork and a few convincing social media posts.

In Milton, at least, most have gotten used to the rumours and have taken the attitude of seeing is believing while satisfying the need to shop by travelling to the Costco stores in Mississauga, Brampton and Burlington.

In the southern part of Halton, a very detailed Reddit post continues to circulate suggesting that Burloak and Wyecroft is indeed the destination at the RioCan Centre Burloak. A spokesperson for the plaza acknowledged the rumours saying there has been a lot of interest in the topic but could neither confirm nor deny that Costco will be a future tenant. Hmmm.

The political leadership of Oakville, Milton and Burlington have all claimed within the past six months that nothing has come through their offices that lends itself to the speculation.

Milton Mayor Gord Krantz when asked responded by saying “I wish I knew” adding that the subject is one he is quizzed about regularly. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton has stated there have been no building application requests coming through his town, while Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has also said she has not heard anything that would suggest her city is getting a second Costco.

What does Costco have to say? Well, unless you are willing to travel to China or Alaska you are out of luck as these two destinations along with Florida and Michigan are the only locations where new stores are planned for the early part of 2024.

Still, while Costco is officially tight-lipped about announcing where new locations will be placed, sticking to a policy where only three months advance notice is given for openings, privately some company officials have acknowledged that more warehouses are needed in rapidly growing areas such as Milton.

In the meantime, the rumour mill will continue to grind but the only guarantee is if and when another Costco opens in Halton Region the parking lot will certainly be jam-packed.