ABOUT MARK TRUSTED RESPECTED CONNECTED

Mark was born and raised in St. Catharines, and graduated from Governor Simcoe Secondary School in the City’s north end. He went on to study visual arts at York University, where Mark graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with specialized honours as a studio major. Mark continues to work as a visual artist to this day and he, along with his wife and fellow artist, Krys Kaczkan, own and operate a studio in downtown St. Catharines.
Mark began his business career with U-Frame-It Ltd. in Toronto, where he designed and constructed franchise stores across Canada and managed the company’s flagship picture framing shop in Yorkville. A St. Catharines business person for over thirty years, Mark is well known for his award winning home décor / gift store, Elliott & Company, which was named Overall Canadian Retailer of the Year in 2005 by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association. The award highlighted the excellence in customer service, commitment to community, and innovation in retail, that both Mark and Elliott & Company were renown for.
Mark became involved in municipal politics in 2006, and as City Councillor for St. Patrick's Ward 4, represented central and west/central St. Catharines from 2006 - 2018. Considered one of the prime architects of St. Catharines downtown revitalization, Mark led in the creation of the Creative Cluster Master Plan for rejuvenation of the City's urban core, the Urban Forestry Plan that led to a 8% growth in the urban canopy, and he led the team that developed, designed and constructed the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in the City's downtown. The Arts Centre project is the largest infrastructure project in the city's history and was completed on time, on budget and without impacting property taxes. He is an advocate for new urbanism and has been the champion of liveable communities, urban forestry, active transportation, smart sustainable development, accessibility and arts and culture. In 2019, Mark was awarded the "Making A Difference" Award at the City of St.Catharines Arts Awards for his advocacy for Arts and Culture and his involvement in the cultural redevelopment and revitalization of the City's downtown core.
As a full time Realtor, Mark is knowledgeable in the history and dynamics of our community and has a great understanding of Provincial and Municipal planning, zoning and by-laws. An excellent communicator, his work ethic is tempered with honesty and integrity and he is fully committed to the interests of his clients. Let Mark’s community connections, extensive knowledge and marketing prowess work for you… whether you are buying or selling!
Mark began his business career with U-Frame-It Ltd. in Toronto, where he designed and constructed franchise stores across Canada and managed the company’s flagship picture framing shop in Yorkville. A St. Catharines business person for over thirty years, Mark is well known for his award winning home décor / gift store, Elliott & Company, which was named Overall Canadian Retailer of the Year in 2005 by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association. The award highlighted the excellence in customer service, commitment to community, and innovation in retail, that both Mark and Elliott & Company were renown for.
Mark became involved in municipal politics in 2006, and as City Councillor for St. Patrick's Ward 4, represented central and west/central St. Catharines from 2006 - 2018. Considered one of the prime architects of St. Catharines downtown revitalization, Mark led in the creation of the Creative Cluster Master Plan for rejuvenation of the City's urban core, the Urban Forestry Plan that led to a 8% growth in the urban canopy, and he led the team that developed, designed and constructed the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in the City's downtown. The Arts Centre project is the largest infrastructure project in the city's history and was completed on time, on budget and without impacting property taxes. He is an advocate for new urbanism and has been the champion of liveable communities, urban forestry, active transportation, smart sustainable development, accessibility and arts and culture. In 2019, Mark was awarded the "Making A Difference" Award at the City of St.Catharines Arts Awards for his advocacy for Arts and Culture and his involvement in the cultural redevelopment and revitalization of the City's downtown core.
As a full time Realtor, Mark is knowledgeable in the history and dynamics of our community and has a great understanding of Provincial and Municipal planning, zoning and by-laws. An excellent communicator, his work ethic is tempered with honesty and integrity and he is fully committed to the interests of his clients. Let Mark’s community connections, extensive knowledge and marketing prowess work for you… whether you are buying or selling!
About McGarr Realty
Buying or selling real estate - be it your home, or as an investment, is a life event like no other. Ideally rewarding, it is invariably challenging.
McGarr Realty Corp., Brokerage created in 1988, and now as one of the largest independent real estate brokerage in the Niagara Region, understands the importance of these life experiences; our goal has always been to make them as rewarding and stress-free as is possible.
At the core of our success is a talented group of individuals who share a common understanding that we must collectively maintain the highest standards of practice and professionalism. Our enviable reputation within the real estate community is largely the result of our strict adherence to a highly principled business philosophy.
Your Home Team at McGarr knows that meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations is the least we can do. At the heart of our success are our clients whose repeated transactions and kind referrals have so greatly contributed to our growth. Nothing is more important than the relationship bridges we build.
In many ways McGarr Realty and Your Home Team are an anomaly in today's "bigger is better" world. We are like a family celebrating each other's successes, offering support and guidance when needed. In a word or two we are a modern company, supported by the best technology, with old fashioned values.
Your Home Team at McGarr Realty Corp., Brokerage has one goal. . . to make things happen for you.