WATERLOO — A Costco on the west side of Waterloo is expected to go ahead after a settlement at the Ontario Municipal Board — but not until road improvements have been completed to deal with traffic concerns.

"We get some certainty on road improvements prior to Costco opening and the other good news is Costco will be opening and bringing good jobs," Mayor Dave Jaworsky said.

The project now hinges on when the Region of Waterloo can build two roundabouts on Erb.

"Once Costco is ready to start on this, we would then work with them on getting those roundabouts constructed," said Thomas Schmidt, regional commissioner of transportation and environmental services. "Just given the time of year and the amount of work that would need to be done, construction this year would be stretching it."

Schmidt said next year is a more likely construction start date.

Costco can start construction of its warehouse store and gas bar at 924 and 930 Erb St. W., but can't actually open until the roadwork is done.

The city, region and Rice Group, which represents the developer, negotiated the agreement and submitted it to the Ontario Municipal Board on Wednesday.

The board decides land planning disputes. The issue landed there after the developer appealed several conditions the city imposed regarding traffic when it gave conditional approval last year.

Rob Horne, commissioner of planning, housing and community services at the region, said that government's main concern was the local landfill.

"Our two interests are traffic on regional roads and also access and egress to the Waterloo landfill," Horne said.

The region and developer will share the cost of the road improvements, according to the negotiated document.

Additional development of new stores at the Costco site will have to wait until a more fulsome transportation study is completed by the city, according to the agreement.

A traffic review released in March suggested traffic would be manageable near the site, however the city will continue with its detailed study.

The current plan would study everything west of, and including, Erbsville Road and Ira Needles Boulevard, with potential extension into Kitchener and Township of Wilmot.

Issues would include funding, road network expansion south of Erb, land use and phasing options for the west side employment lands and working with the Region of Waterloo and other municipalities on roads the city doesn't own.

- Waterloo traffic review optimistic about Costco impact

- Waterloo, region at odds over west side traffic

- Waterloo Costco proposal plagued by traffic concerns

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

- Waterloo approves Costco project, with one big provision

- Waterloo Costco launch could take years

- West side traffic a challenge in Waterloo