Costco, don't go to Westside

I understand the importance for Costco to find a location that will allow it to achieve its goal of incorporating a gas bar within its complex, and that will benefit everyone with the exception of competing gas stations.

The possible choice of West Kelowna however, is not a wise one in my opinion.

The council would have to deal with much more congestion on the bridge with clients from Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Armstrong, etc. going were they have not gone before and then having second thoughts about shopping at Costco.

Kamloops would become a choice for North Okanagan residents because of faster access. Peachland, Summerland and Penticton would benefit, but there is already congestion on the highway.

The original request for the area opposite the airport is a good one. Our council is short-sighted in its decision citing traffic congestion around the airport as the reason to turn down the request.

Smart traffic engineering and future planning with access from the north end of the area and the opening of John Hindle Drive can alleviate traffic flow, but I am afraid our council will opt for the bridge problem, which
is caused by short-sightedness as it was built too small in the first place.

Kelowna has traffic engineers. Put them to work and don’t look at the negatives, look at the positives.

Michael Henderson, Kelowna