Filming Permits

The Township of Brock is the perfect location for your next film production. Whether it's a commercial or full-scale movie production, our team is committed to ensure that your next project is a success. Please see our Film Policy for details and the Fees Bylaw.

You must have permission and a Filming Permit in the Township of Brock to use public property and streets for your film production. Make sure to follow our filming guidelines and requirements. You are welcome to rent municipal facilities for your production.

Applying for a permit

Please send a letter to the Clerk's Department at least ten business days before your production setup. The letter must include:

name of your production company, its address, phone and fax numbers
name of your lead contact with their cell phone number
name of the film and brief story line
dates and times for production setup and tear-down
specific filming location(s) and time(s)
total number of people involved (e.g., actors, extras, production crew, etc.)
number and type of vehicles involved (both in the film and production)
special effects that you will use
requested temporary road closures and traffic stoppages

Please include any other relevant information and special requirements.

We will provide contact information for written notices that you'll need to send to the business associations and/or chambers of commerce in the production's area. We will notify you if you need approval from other agencies and give you their contact information.

After approval

Once we notify you of approval, there will be a daily permit fee:

Film Permit (per film)

Per Day - $545
Three Days - $1090.60

Payment can be made to the Township of Brock through cheque, or can be paid by cash or debit at the Municipal Administration Building at 1 Cameron Street, East, Cannington, ON L0E 1E0.

If filming will occur over three days, further discussion will be required with the Municipality. Additional costs may be waived, however, we sincerely appreciate contributions to streetscape beautification projects in our community. Please contact us if you'd like to donate.

Please note that any additional fees including, but not limited to, road closures, police duty officers, parking, or facility rentals are in addition to the Film Permit.

Please also include your:

ten million dollar insurance policy that names the Corporation of the Township of Brock as an additional insured
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board clearance certificate
written confirmation that you've notified the relevant Business Association(s)
written confirmation that you've notified all residents and business owners who may be impacted

Filming guidelines and requirements

While filming within the Township of Brock, your production must comply with our filming guidelines and requirements. Please note that more requirements and guidelines may apply based on the nature of your production.

Written notice

You must give a 5-day written notice with your intention to film to the Brock Board of Trade and/or any other relevant business organizations in the community.

Please provide a 3-day written notice to all residents and businesses who are directly or indirectly affected by your film production.

The notice should contain your:

company's name, address, and phone number
lead contact person and their cell phone number
expected dates and times for setup, filming, and tear-down
exact filming location
film's nature (e.g., story line, etc.)
the number and type of vehicles used for the film and production (e.g., sound, lighting, etc.) and their planned location and parking
building façade changes
pyrotechnic and special effects that you're using
traffic stoppages or road closures times and locations

Building faades and private property

If you'd like to change a building's façade or use private property as part of your production, you must have direct permission from the property's owner. We do not authorize the use of private property nor negotiate its use on your behalf.

Compensation

You should be ready to discuss compensation with business owners and residents who may be negatively impacted by the production or for use of private property. Please note that we do not intervene or negotiate for anyone in such arrangements.

Traffic, parking and signage

We must approve temporary road closures and traffic stoppages before filming. You must arrange parking for vehicles so that they do not interfere with on-street parking (particularly in central business districts). You must book paid police duty officers for intermittent traffic stoppages. You are responsible for signage to guide motorists and pedestrians around the filming location.

Filming on a Regional road? Make sure to apply for Durham Region's required road, filming and banner permits

Make sure that no production vehicles block driveways, business entrances or hydrants. Emergency vehicles must be able to access the area at all times. Depending on your filming location(s), we may restrict the number of production vehicles. Do not cover, remove or alter any traffic or road signs and fixtures without our written approval.

Pyrotechnics, special effects and drone use

Use of SPFX that are fire or incendiary-based must be reviewed by the Brock Township Fire Departments, Fire Prevention Office. The Film Liaison Office will circulate your application directly to our Fire Services staff to determine if the activity requires a separate Fire Permit or on site attendance by our Brock Township Fire Department. In most cases, certified SPFX personnel contracted by the film production company can be used. (Note: if Brock Township Fire personnel are required, but not available, no other private fire service or personnel will be allowed as a substitute.)

The use of chemical based SPFX products must be reviewed by our Health and Safety team prior to issuance of a Film Location Permit, to ensure they are safe for our residents, and the environment. A minimum of 10 days is required for the Township to review the MSDS sheets on chemical based, sprayed snow materials.

Non-incendiary SPFX such as mock gunfire no longer requires on-site attendance by Durham Region Police Services tactical teams. However, details of the SPFX explosives or gunfire must be reported to the Township of Brock's Clerks Office as well as the Durham Region Police Dispatch office, prior to issuance of the Township's Film Location Permit and commencement of filming.

If a production plans to use a drone, a copy of the drone operator's certification must be filed with the Film Office prior to us issuing a Film Location Permit.

Cleanliness, privacy and security

Your film company is responsible for cleaning the film location(s) at the end of each day, which includes removal of any litter. Your cleanup should create a minimum amount of noise and disruption to residents and business owners. You are responsible for restoring the location to the same condition as before the start of production.

You must respect the privacy of our residents and business owners and their right to enjoy their space and property quietly. They should not be negatively affected by lighting, exhaust fumes, etc.

You are also responsible for employing 24-hour security throughout the film's production.

List your property for film use

Film productions looking for new locations often search the inventory of film sites hosted by Ontario Creates. This is the official Film Commission Office established by the Province of Ontario, to support all aspects of the film industry across Ontario.

If you would like to offer/rent your property to the film industry, consider registering your property with the Ontario Film Commission, Ontario Locations Library. This online portal features over 400,000 digital images of locations, used by film and TV producers to scout potential filming sites for upcoming productions in Ontario.

It is important to note, that any arrangements made for use of your private property, are between you and the production company. The Township of Brock has no jurisdiction or involvement in setting the terms of rental of private property. The Townships role in issuing approvals to the Film industry only applies to the use of Township owned property or roads. Residents must still comply with all Municipal By-laws while providing use of their property to a film company. Therefore, if a film company is using your property, but parking their equipment or vehicles on a public municipal road, the production must still apply for a Film Location Permit for occupancy of that road.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Film Liaison at 705-432-2355 x 232 or email communications@brock.ca

Recently Filmed in Sunderland, Brock Township

“Not Necessary” Written & Performed by The Tragically Hip