Construction is underway for a massive new retail complex on Harry Walker Pkwy. S. in Newmarket, with Costco as its centrepiece.
Developer Rice Group received site plan approval for the project in August 2024 and has begun more work on the property near the corner of Davis Drive and Harry Walker. The centre of the development is a 15,510-square-metre Costco, with another four multi-unit buildings to surround it, along with a gas bar.
The Town of Newmarket is monitoring the development as it progresses, commissioner of development and infrastructure Peter Noehammer said.
“This development has obtained all required Town of Newmarket engineering approvals, and the town’s development engineering staff will also conduct site visits during construction to ensure compliance with approved plans, terms and conditions of the site plan agreement and the town’s bylaws,” Noehammer said.
The project has been in the works for several years. Rice Group first built at the corner of Davis and Harry Walker, near Highway 404, with several commercial buildings now occupied by a variety of restaurants and businesses.
Now, the second phase is underway, with a new Costco generating plenty of interest in the community. When complete, the planned retail area will have four multi-unit commercial buildings, a Costco gas bar, and the central Costco area itself. At least two of the business buildings spaces are anticipated to be restaurants. There will also be a massive parking lot with hundreds of spaces available.
Plans also highlight greenery, including a variety of trees planted at the edge and throughout the property.
NewmarketToday did not receive a reply to a request for comment from Rice Group before publication deadline.
Noehammer said staff have conducted about 24 inspections on the store itself.
“The town’s building division will conduct site inspections for various permits for this development such as the store, gas and propane facility, retaining wall, and exterior site servicing to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the development,” he said.
However, Noehammer said the developer also has its own engineers to closely monitor construction from start to finish to ensure good site conditions.
A Costco building was noted to be in the plans back in 2021, but Costco's corporate policy is not to publicly announce new locations until close to the opening date.