The mayor doesn't care when it happens as long as a Costco comes to town someday.
In June Costco announced that it will expand its Canadian stores by 25. While no locations were announced, InterStraticsConsultants identified Thunder Bay as one of the potential sites. Mayor Keith Hobbs said he is in talks with city administration every other week to make sure that potential becomes a reality.
"It's always on my list. I'm going to keep hammering away until we get one," he said.
But with 13 acres needed, where the Costco should go is an issue.
"I think land is probably the biggest one," Hobbs said.
The city wants to keep box stores together as much as possible. There are other areas of the city, such as Innova Park, that could accommodate a store that large but zoning would become a problem. Hobbs said any discussions about land would be done behind closed doors.
"I can't really get into land areas publicly," he said.
With nearly 40,000 people heading south of the border to shop, Hobbs said bringing stores like Costco to Thunder Bay could reduce that number. "I think we're losing commerce here," he said.
He also wants to see the store here because it could bring jobs for students and seniors. And everyone he speaks with seems to want the Washington-based membership-only store in Thunder Bay.
"The people want it and that's the bottom line," Hobbs said.
