City considers grant for new Porsche dealership in Vanier

Ottawa's finance and economic development committee will consider a$2.9-million city grant next week for a future luxury car dealership in the Vanier area,under a program aimed at stimulating local businesseson Montreal Road.

Mrak Holdings Inc., also known asMark Motors,plans to replace the Audi and Alfa Romeo/Maserati dealerships across from Notre Dame Cemetery with a new, two-storey Porsche building that city staff describe in a report as "world-class."

The new building would face the busy corner of Montreal Road and St. Laurent Boulevard. It'sprojected to cost $17 million to build, with the owners paying $1.7 million to the City of Ottawa for development fees and building permits.

After it's constructed, the owners'property taxes would soar from$25,625per yearto $355,620.

• City touts tax plan to boost business on Montreal Road

The city targeted Vanierfor a community improvement plan in 2019. That designation, a tool allowed by the provincial government, allows the cityto offer grants of up to 75 per cent of theincrease in property taxes as an incentive to get owners to upgrade their properties and boost business.

Mrak Holdings would beeligible for a grant of up to$2,910,171 over 10 years, and itsapplication goes before the finance committee Tuesday for approval.

'Flagship' facility

Montreal Road in Vanier is currently undergoing a major $64-million reconstruction. The hydro lines have been buried, andits water mains, sewers and road are being replaced.

"The new facility will represent an important gateway to the Quartier Vanier shopping district and showcase the city's newly upgraded streetscape," wrote city staff in their report, adding the project will create jobs.

The executive director of theQuartier Vanier business improvement area, meanwhile, says it mightnot seemideal to have a car dealership on a main street, but thebuilding willbe"beautiful"anda "flagship".

Nathalie Carrier saidthe Mrak family owns the dealerships that have been in that locationfor years, and they've been great community and business leaders.

"We're happy to have them," she said

Montreal Road isn't the only part of the citydeemedeligible for community improvement grants.

The City of Ottawa has also targeted Bells Corners in the west, St. Joseph Boulevard in Orlans, and has a community improvement plan for the widerOrlansarea aimed at luring bigemployers.