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Political manoeuvring was in overdrive on Wednesday, when Mayor Jim Watson won support to tie a controversial $3-million tax break for a Porsche dealership to a multimillion-dollar long-term investment in affordable housing.
With a vote of 15-9, Ottawa city council approved an application from Mark Motors to receive property tax relief for a new Porsche dealership planned for 458-470 Montreal Rd.
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The tax break is under a Montreal Road “community improvement plan” (CIP). The city uses CIPs to generate economic activity in targeted areas, giving property owners relief from the expected increases in property taxes that will come from new development.
Ottawa's finance committee has unanimously approved a tax break worth up to $2.9 million for a future Porsche dealership on the main business strip of a lower-income area, despite residents who argued it would be "social assistance for millionaires."
OTTAWA The City of Ottawa s finance and economic development committee (FEDCo) has given the green light to a $2.9 million grant to build a new world class Porsche dealership at the corner of Montreal Road and St. Laurent Boulevard. The project by Mrak Holdings Inc., a.k.a. Mark Motors of Ottawa, would be built at 458 Montreal Rd., currently the site of an Audi dealership, while an existing Porsche dealership stands just down the street at 611 Montreal Rd. Mark Motors owner Michael Mrak said the site has sentimental value to his family. We always have our roots in the east end. My father started his business on the corner of Montreal Road and St. Laurent Boulevard back in 1958, he told the committee.
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The finance and economic development committee on Tuesday supported a proposed $2.9-million property tax break for the development of a new Porsche dealership.
The dealership eyed for 458 Montreal Rd. at St. Laurent Boulevard is eligible for financial help under the Montreal Road community improvement plan (CIP). This would be the first grant under the Montreal Road CIP.
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City staff support Mark Motors’ application because the development “will help to attract new businesses, support existing businesses, and nurture economic growth.” Part of the Alfa Romeo/Maserati building on the corner property would be demolished to build the new Porsche dealership.
Ottawa's finance committee will consider a $2.9 million city grant for a future luxury car dealership in the Vanier neighbourhood next week, under a program aimed at stimulating businesses along Montreal Road.