Ottawa may be getting a serious upgrade to its east end fuel options — Costco is proposing to build a 24-pump gas station in the area, according to a report from CTV News.
If approved, the station would be one of the largest in Ottawa, dwarfing the typical six-to-twelve pump setups found at most gas bars across the city. Costco gas stations are known for drawing long lineups due to their consistently lower prices compared to traditional fuel retailers — and a 24-pump layout suggests the retailer is anticipating serious demand.
What We Know So Far
The proposal involves constructing the gas station alongside what is expected to be a Costco warehouse location in Ottawa's east end. Costco typically builds its gas stations adjacent to its big-box warehouse stores, allowing members to fuel up as part of their shopping trip.
The east end of Ottawa has seen significant residential growth in recent years, with communities like Orléans and Barrhaven East continuing to expand. Adding a large-format fuel station to the mix could serve thousands of households in the area who currently drive further west for Costco access.
Why This Matters for Ottawa Drivers
For anyone who has sat in the lineup at Costco's existing Ottawa gas bars, you already know the deal: the savings are real. Costco fuel is consistently priced several cents per litre below competitors, and that gap adds up fast — especially for families filling up SUVs or pickup trucks every week.
A 24-pump station would dramatically increase throughput compared to smaller setups, potentially cutting down the notorious wait times Costco fuel stations are known for. That's a win for east-end residents who have long had fewer budget-friendly fuel options compared to other parts of the city.
What Comes Next
The project still needs to clear Ottawa's planning and development approval process before any shovels go in the ground. Costco's proposals typically draw public attention given the traffic impacts a high-volume gas station and warehouse can bring — so expect some community consultation as the project moves through the city's review system.
Neighbourhood groups and city planners will likely weigh in on traffic flow, access points, and any environmental considerations tied to a large-scale fuelling operation.
For now, east-end Ottawa residents can cautiously pencil this into their future shopping plans — but it'll be a while before those pumps are live.
Source: CTV News Ottawa via Google News
