While many are eagerly awaiting the possibility of a new Costco location opening in South Surrey, some residents of the area are attempting to stop the proposed development.
A petition outlining concerns of Grandview Heights-area residents over the proposed Costco in their neighbourhood has garnered 320 signatures as of Friday morning (Nov. 8).
Petition-starter Alexis Wardle is a resident in the Berkeley Village townhomes that sit close by the proposed Costco site at 1891 and 1947 164 St.
"There really isn't a buffer between the road, our unit and the Costco parking lot, so that's when we started to realize how large this is going to be and how it's going to impact us as residents," Wardle explained in an interview with Peace Arch News.
"The challenge for us is, it's not no Costco. We understand many people in the wider community want a Costco in the area, and there's obviously a huge benefit to that but for us. We feel like it's not the right location or if it is the location, a lot needs to be put in place before."
Adding to the traffic concerns is nearby new school Ta'talu Elementary, Wardle said. The increase in student population in the area also poses a safety concern to the residents, which could also "disrupt the safe, walkable environment that families in the area currently enjoy," the online petition reads, adding that the neighbourhood's "tranquility" will be disrupted.
"With only one road in and out of the area and limited entry points to the proposed parking lot, there is a high risk of severe congestion and potential safety hazards, especially during peak hours."
"It's just going to be an insane amount of traffic in this area, and for us, in our unit, it is the only way to get out," Wardle said.
She has reached out to Surrey mayor and council and also newly elected Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, but has received no response since, she said. An open house was also held by the city and Costco for area-residents, she added, where she also took her concerns.
"This area is also ecologically sensitive, and it just seems a little ironic that they want to build a gas station within this area," Wardle said, also adding that she and others are concerned about what the development will do for their property values.
The petition signers are asking for Surrey council to not approve the development proposal, or if they do, to upgrade the road network, follow the zoning regulations for the area and "protect ecologically sensitive areas and prevent environmental degradation."
A public information meeting was held by the city on Oct. 10, a statement from Surrey's planning and development department reads, adding that the development proposal is expected to be presented to council in the first quarter of the new year.
