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For the past five years, Costco has shown interest in building a new location near Assiniboia Downs on Portage Avenue, sparking ongoing speculation about its potential development. Recent media reports suggested that construction would soon begin, but the situation appears more complex.
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In 2018, Costco first applied for a variance on the property, signalling its intent to explore development options. However, since then, the company has applied for variances three times and has yet to move forward with actual construction. The most recent update came when the City of Winnipeg issued a development permit. While this indicates progress, it does not necessarily guarantee that a new store will be built.
A review of land titles shows no change in ownership, raising questions about the project’s timeline and Costco’s commitment to the site. Moreover, public records confirm that no building permit has been applied for, which is a critical step before any construction can commence.
The site in question is part of Shindico’s Westport Lands. When reached for comment, Shindico was unable to provide additional insights.
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Costco operates three locations in Winnipeg: the larger stores on McGillivray Boulevard and Regent Avenue, and a smaller location on St. James Street. The potential addition of a new Costco near Assiniboia Downs would be welcomed by residents in Winnipeg’s west end and surrounding communities outside the perimeter, who currently have to travel farther to shop at the popular wholesale retailer.
Whether Costco will ultimately build on Portage Avenue remains an open question. While the interest and preliminary steps suggest intent, the lack of a building permit and ongoing uncertainty in land ownership indicate that residents will have to wait longer to see if a new store will indeed come to fruition.
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