A Francophone group is asking Ottawa city council to spare $1.9 million to go towards the creation of a Francophone community centre in the city's west end.

The group plans to transform the vacant Grant Alternative School on Richmond Road into a centre that would provide services to an estimated 28,000 Francophone residents living west of Ottawa's downtown core.

Although the school is vacant, the city owns the land, which is valued at $3.9 million. However, the city is being asked to hand it over for $2 million.

"We have a good plan. A good project," said Diane Normand, a spokesperson for the group.

Organizers say the Montfort Hospital and La Cité collégiale would pay for health and education facilities at the site, while money from the province could help build subsidized retirement units.

Bilingual services

Although the centre is intended for Francophones, Normand says it won't be limited to residents who speak French.

"Everybody will be welcome. Like it will be administered by the French people, but the service will be provided bilingual, so everybody will be welcome," she said.

The ward's current councillor is lining up behind the project.

"Health care services, child care services, recreational services for the Francophone community in the west end. We get to keep a heritage property. It's a win-win for the city," Coun. Alex Cullen told CTV Ottawa.

However, not everyone feels the same way. Bay Ward candidate Terry Kilrea says the proposed centre shouldn't get a dime of public money.

"We can't keep pandering and being social magnets to everybody. It's got to stop."

A city committee will examine the proposal on Tuesday. The plan will go before city council on Aug. 25.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley