A petition has started online trying to bring a Costco to North Bay.
See it here.
The petition, at change.org says, "There has been a lot of conversation about a Costco in North Bay. Let's see what the community has to say. We can prove our support or lack of by providing this petition to the forces that will be."
The issue became a political hot potato during the late stages of the recent municipal election when local businessman John Cutsey accused Mayor Al McDonald of blocking a Costco move to the city. McDonald denied the charge and Cutsey didn't produce documents to back up his claim.
See: Costco was coming to North Bay six years ago says businessman
The petition started today says the rumour is that this city is "too small of a community, that the population demographics and regional trading area of North Bay do not fit the criteria for Costco. Yet a community like Orillia with a population of 30,000 has one, with another Costco less than 40 kilometers away (in Barrie). There is a reason we are called The Gateway to the North. Over and above our local and surrounding area population, we have two major provincial arteries that meet in our great city, we have so much potential to draw from this.
"Places like Downtown and the Farmers Market may not be impacted negatively. These are destination shopping experiences which have their own loyal supporters. Nothing at Costco will directly compete with them. E.g. if you enjoy farm fresh produce, or hand made soap you will not be purchasing yours at Costco."
The author adds, "This petition is NOT to point fingers at the City of North Bay, this is a FRESH approach to an ongoing subject that seems to be important to our community," and provides a list of "currently published statistics, opinions and facts based on a Costco store in general."
Here are some positive impacts on a community, according to the petition.
- Employment: Each store employees over 200, therefore lowering the unemployment statistics.
- Wages: decent entry level pay to help relieve the necessity for recipients of social assistance.
- Job Security with full and part time Career Opportunities within the organization.
- Employee Perks and benefits: it is known that Costco is a fantastic corporation to work for.
- Property taxes e.g. a large parcel of developed land will bring a substantial amount of taxes to the community compared to a vacant lot.
- Potential Increase in local real estate value: upgrading our community, attracting new residents and raising family income levels all lead to home improvement, development and the desire for relocation.
- Traffic increase to North Bay from surrounding areas. Which can bring more patrons to support other local businesses.
- Enticing Future Development: Costco can attract other businesses and or industry.
- Discounted Gas for card holders.
- Opportunity for restaurants and businesses to do their bulk shopping locally.
- Costco is committed to Community Charitable Activities.
The closest Costco to North Bay presently is on the Kingsway in Sudbury, about a 90 minute drive west.
