Canadian Tire is soon to embark on an exciting journey in Kelowna with big plans ahead of them. The retail and auto service company are set to relocate from their current space at Highway 97 and Leckie Road, to the former Costco site up the highway at highways 97 and 33.
The proposed move was revealed after Canadian Tire submitted a development permit application to city planners. The initial drawings outlined an expansion of almost double their current warehouse, which presently stands at 83,000 square feet. This will increase up to 179,000 square feet inclusive of 107,000 square feet for retail space, as well as 14,000 square feet for their service centre.
Costco’s movement from this area to a larger store on Baron Road took place back in February 2020. This building was later sold off in April by Victor Projects (a local development company) for $31.2 million – signifying that Canadian Tire would take its place shortly thereafter to make use of the prime real estate location.
No further information has been provided yet regarding whether the Canadian Tire gas bar will be moving too or any expected timeline for this eventual transition due to requiring approval from both city council and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure before this can be confirmed or finalised. Local residents are looking forward to seeing just how different things may look once work is complete in the area; with many hoping that it will open more opportunities for local businesses seeking growth within the Kelowna region and beyond.
