There are a series of guidelines for filming in Toronto, including the hours and days filming can take place, appropriate parking considerations, notification of impacted businesses and residents, and more.
The following guidelines apply to all location filming which takes place in Toronto, except for current affairs and newscasts.
Production crews must clean the location at the end of each filming day and ensure that the area is returned to its original condition.
If exceptions are required, the production company must get approval from Toronto’s Film, Television & Digital Media Office (hereafter referred to as the “Film Office”) or make arrangements with an operating Division of the City. This must be noted on the permit and the production company will be billed accordingly. Materials and debris are not to be washed into catch basins. Productions are encouraged to avoid single-use and disposable materials on location, where possible, and should follow the City of Toronto’s regulations and best practices for waste diversion.
On garbage, recycle and wet waste pick-up days, please be courteous in neighbourhoods where you are filming. If filming or parking of your production vehicles blocks the view of waste receptacles on garbage, recycle or wet waste pick-up days in the area, please assist with the collection.
Arrangements can be made with the property owner of the waste bins to:
This will avoid any problems for residents and ensure their waste is picked up on its regular collection day.
Film and television productions are all guests in residential and commercial areas and shall treat all locations, as well as the members of the public, with courtesy. It is the responsibility of each producer/production company to ensure that cast and crew comply with this Code of Conduct. Every filming notification letter which is distributed in the neighbourhood or business district must include a link to the Filming Guidelines and the Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew.
When filming in a neighbourhood or Business Improvement Area (BIA), proper notification is to be provided to each merchant or resident directly affected by filming activity (this includes parking and base camp areas).
The filming notice shall include:
Pedestrian traffic shall not be obstructed at any time. All cables and similar items must be channelled.
Cast and crew shall not trespass on residents’ or merchants’ property. They must remain within the boundaries of the property that has been permitted for filming.
Every member of the cast and crew shall keep noise levels as low as possible at all times. Cast and crew will refrain from the use of lewd or improper language.
The company will comply at all times with the provisions of the filming permit which include adherence to the City of Toronto Municipal code 459 regarding location filming and the guidelines for filming in the City of Toronto. A copy of the filming permit shall be on location at all times with the location department.
New fees have been introduced to the film permit structure for location shoots on City-owned and operated properties and streets. Below is a summary of fees for issued permits:
| Permit Type | Features, Series, Mini-Series, Pilots | Commercials, Documentaries, Reality Television, Music Videos, Short Films | Student Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Registration | $100 | $100 | Free |
| Grid Permit | $100 | $100 | Free |
| Location Permit | $300 | $150 | Free |
| Parks Permit | $200 | $200 | Free |
| Road Closure Permit | $500 | $500 | $500 |
The Production Registration Fee is mandatory, regardless of whether or not any permits are applied for.
There are no refunds for Production Registration Fees or issued permits.
For special circumstances, a Refund Request Form may be obtained from filmtoronto@toronto.ca and submitted for review. The film office will respond within 30 days of receiving the refund request.
Productions accessing fire hydrants or using water trucks for wetdowns and rain towers should take all reasonable steps to minimize water waste and any impact to on-street storm drains.
The City of Toronto grants permits to allow the use of water from fire hydrants between April 1 (pending suitable weather) and November 15.
To submit applications for fire hydrant use related to filming, please visit Toronto Water’s Fire Hydrant Use Permit page for more information.
Please note online application and payment must be made at least 10 business days in advance of the requested date. Once the application is received, Toronto Water staff will follow up to coordinate.
Filming at Civic Centres, squares and select City facilities requires additional lead time to coordinate.
Productions may still submit preliminary hold applications to check availabilities, but concrete prep, shoot and wrap details – including exact dates, times and locations – must follow shortly thereafter to review and confirm your request.
Security deposits are required of productions and include City staffing costs, material use or potential property damages. Security deposits are refundable, less City staffing costs and damage to the property, if any.
Below is a table of estimated security deposit ranges to help productions budget accordingly. A firmer estimate will be included in the facilities contract.
| Production Type | Features, Series, Mini Series, Pilots | Commercials, Documentaries, Reality Television, Music Videos, Short Films | Student Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Estimate | $5,000 – $10,000 | $500 – $5,000 | $0 |
Security deposits may fall outside these ranges based on impact to City of Toronto properties and City staffing costs.
Filming is not permitted inside any of the water treatment and supply facilities operated by Toronto Water; however, filming exteriors may be permitted.
For exterior filming at Toronto water facilities, please send application forms to filmtoronto@toronto.ca and your application will be forwarded to the designated contact in Toronto Water. All timelines, security provisions, and fees (if applicable) are at the discretion of Toronto Water.
The following guidelines apply to all commercial location filming which takes place in the City of Toronto. A commercial film or television production is a professional enterprise whose purpose is to produce film, television or web content for commercial purposes, such as sale, licensing or distribution for profit. The City of Toronto issues film permits to production crews for filming for commercial purposes only and in alignment with the film bylaw.
Commercial filming does not include live-to-air current affairs reporting or newscasts; live-to-air event broadcasting; real estate advertisements; construction and technical surveys; filming special events, demonstrations, or marches; film premieres or film-related events; advertising pop-ups or activations without continuous filming; internal corporate training videos. These excluded activities do not qualify to receive film permits but may require permits or approvals from other city divisions before taking place on city property.
Student film makers should consult the instructions specific to them provided toward the end of these guidelines.
Permits for location filming are coordinated through and issued by the Film Office.
The Film Office requires a minimum of two full business days, not including day of submission, to issue a filming permit. Road Closures or complex requests may require more time.
The Film Office requires a minimum of three full business days, not including the day of submission, to issue a permit if the request includes filming in a City park.
Please submit applications during our business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applications submitted after 4:30 p.m. on any given date will be date stamped as received on the following business day.
| Requested Filming, Coning or Parking Date | Application Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Monday | Wednesday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
| Tuesday | Thursday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
| Wednesday | Friday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
| Thursday | Monday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
| Friday | Tuesday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
| Saturday, Sunday, Statutory Holidays | Wednesday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) |
For filming requests in City parks, please add an extra business day to the application submission deadline.
Permits will be issued by the business day prior to your earliest filming, coning or parking date.
The film company must provide written notice of filming to affected residents, occupants, businesses owners and business improvement areas (BIAs) a minimum of 48 hours prior to their earliest arrival. Notifications must include the location and duration of filming and parking; information about planned special effects; road and lane closures; sidewalk obstructions; lighting positions; the time that cones will be placed on the street to reserve parking; and any relevant details requested by the Film Office. Please request a copy of the notification letter template from your Film Permit Coordinator. Your letter of notification should be reviewed by your Film Permit Coordinator for accuracy and completeness before distribution.
The Film Office will notify councillors in advance of filming in their respective wards. These notifications will include the title of the production, production company contact info, the names and contact numbers of the location managers, and the locations of filming and production vehicle parking.
Production companies should limit negative environmental conditions resulting from filming, including spill-over lighting, exhaust fumes and noise, which may affect the enjoyment or operation of surrounding properties.
Production companies should orient lighting away from neighboring residences, unless residents have been contacted and do not express any objection. Lighting must not interfere with traffic safety. Exemptions for late night lighting are a subset of the late night filming activity exemption request process, as noted in the Time Restrictions section above.
Production companies must comply with legislation governing noise. Affected residents, occupants and business owners should be advised in advance of any loud noises on location, such as special effects or simulated gunfire.
Production companies should not park generators or portable washrooms near residential units without prior notification to residents, occupants, or business owners. Productions are encouraged to find alternatives to diesel generators, such as hydro tie-ins, battery packs and cleaner-burning generators, or otherwise limit their use, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases. Generators used on residential streets and in city parks should be soundproofed. Productions should not park portable washrooms near patios at any time.
Production companies must ensure that their staff operate in a safe and professional manner in the course of their duties and adhere to the City of Toronto’s Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew.
The production company is responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the use of City roads, properties, parks or equipment and shall be given an estimate of these costs prior to permitting. Whenever expenses are anticipated, production companies should liaise with the City Division issuing the charge back to determine the most appropriate method of payment.
Where deemed necessary by the appropriate City department or agency, a security deposit shall be required prior to the issuance of a film permit. This deposit shall not be returned, in whole or in part, until all invoices, charges and claims have been cleared. Security deposits can be paid by credit card or certified cheque made payable to “Treasurer, City of Toronto” and delivered to the Film Office.
The Film and Television Industry is a unique business. It also presents unique and unusual occupational health and safety hazards to its workers.
Representatives from the film industry and the Ontario Ministry of Labour formed the Ontario Film and Television Safety Committee in 1998.
The Safety Committee has developed guidelines for everyone in the film and television field. They aim to educate every worker, in all disciplines, at all levels, in the value of hazard recognition and safe working practices.
All production companies should obtain a copy of this booklet for reference prior to the commencement of production.
The guidelines can be downloaded from the Ministry of Labour website. A hardcopy of this publication can be ordered online.
Existing safety signage and equipment on location must not be altered or disabled, unless expressly agreed to by the property manager/owner, and in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
Production companies must also adhere to the most updated standards in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Ontario Traffic Manual Series.
Drone operations are regulated by Transport Canada. Please visit the Transport Canada website for details.
If you are taking off or landing on City property, including roads or parks, please speak to your Film Permit Coordinator about submitting copies of your federal approvals.
Notify before you film. Residents and businesses must receive written, advance notice from the production company about the location filming activity that will take place in their neighbourhood.
For detailed information visit the Letters of Notification section.
Off-duty Toronto Police Service police officers are available for hire to provide police presence for a range of functions including film shoots.
Requests for all Paid Duty Officers are made by submitting the Paid Duty Officer Request form to the Central Paid Duty Office by fax at 416-808-5042. The Film Office in consultation with the Toronto Police Film Liaison Officer determines the number of officers to be assigned according to the need for traffic control and public safety. If special effects are involved it may be necessary to assign an officer from the Public Safety Unit – Explosive Disposal Unit.
We require the following information to arrange for permission to film at a City park:
Note: In City parks, production vehicles and equipment must not block driveways or other access/egress ramps. There must be at least two feet clearance on either side of a driveway, ramp, or other accesses/egresses/ingresses.
No staking or digging including the use of grounding stakes is permitted in any park at any time unless prior stake-out clearance has been obtained from the appropriate utilities and parks staff.
The City of Toronto has tree protection by-laws and a target of 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050 to align with the City’s TransformTO NetZero Strategy. As such, requests to film near environmentally-sensitive areas, around natural features or to set-dress City-owned trees is restricted and subject to thorough review.
The following applies to all production units:
These recommendations were unanimously agreed to by the Film Liaison Industry Committee; Unit Parking Sub-Committee, comprised of members from the Film Office, Commercial Production Association of Toronto, IATSE 873, Nabet 700, Toronto Police Service, Works & Emergency Services, August 30, 2000.
The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is a public corporation owned by the City of Toronto. The TPA’s Green P parking lots provide safe, attractive, conveniently located and competitively priced off and on-street public parking.
View a list of Green P parking lots in the City of Toronto.
It is the responsibility of the production company to ensure that any time firearms, explosive devices or flammable liquids are used or any potentially dangerous stunts are attempted that Traffic Services is consulted to ensure public safety.
Permits for carrying and use of prop firearms must be obtained. Inquiries regarding firearms may be made to the Toronto Police Service, Public Safety Unit – EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit) at 416-808-4900 or Toronto Police Service, Public Safety Unit – Special Events (Film Liaison), 416-808-5049.
Prop guns can be mistaken for genuine firearms by members of the public. This poses potential risks for public safety. The Police will respond to any reported incident under the assumption that the firearm is real and not authorized. If the Public Safety Unit – EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit) respond this could result in serious consequences including having the production shut down or criminal charges being laid.
If you are filming on public property, a location filming permit is required for both the filming portion of the event as well as use of the replica firearm. If filming is taking place entirely on private property, a location filming permit will be required if there is public showing of a replica firearm.
Obtaining your location filming permit will ensure that the police are properly notified and aware of its use. Should a member of the public call police stating a concern, the police will be prepared with the knowledge that a filming event is taking place using a replica firearm and will be in a position to respond to the call effectively and safely.
Unless permission has first been granted by the Deputy Chief of Field Operations, film company representatives will not be permitted to:
Location personnel may make arrangements for Public Safety Unit – EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit) Paid Duty Officers by going directly to the EDU to file a Paid Duty Request or fax a request to the Toronto Police Service Film Coordinator at fax number 416-808-4901.
Only officers who are qualified police explosives technicians shall do film industry paid duties involving the supervision of explosives or the use of firearms.
In certain circumstances, rather than requiring a bomb technician, officers commonly known as P.E.T.A.s (Police Explosive Technician Assistant) might attend certain film sites where benzoyl peroxide is not being used. P.E.T.A.s are officers who have not been fully trained as bomb technicians however are trained in proving firearms safe and using small squib devices. Under no circumstances shall a P.E.T.A. do a Paid Duty involving the use of high explosives including detonation “det” cord.
It is the responsibility of the Production Company to indicate at the time they make a Paid Duty request for EDUE personnel what type of equipment is being used.
When arriving on set, the Paid Duty Officer
It is strongly recommended that when on set Paid Duty Officers are readily recognizable as a police officer.
All set up and rigging of SPFX must be thoroughly checked by the Paid Duty Officer. Any safety concerns must be brought to the attention of the SPFX pyro-technician. Appropriate safety equipment and safe distances must be maintained during rigging of the effect. Use of portable radios near electric initiation devices must be closely monitored and prevented if it becomes a safety issue.
If a safety issue arises and the SPFX pyro-technician refuses to address the concerns he/she should be cautioned regarding the repercussions of both criminal and civil liability. Further, the concerns should be brought to the attention of the 1st A.D. and the on-set safety officer or union representative.
Please note:
If there is personal injury or property damage resulting from the use of firearms, pyrotechnics or explosives the scene should be treated as a crime scene. The on-call explosive technician must be notified and will attend if the circumstances dictate. For all serious injury or fatality the O.I.C. (Officer in Charge) of the explosive section must be notified.
If criminal charges are warranted the divisional C.I.B. (Criminal Investigation Branch) should be contacted and requested to attend the scene.
A full TPS 649 (Toronto Police Service) must be completed in addition to any other reports outlining the details of the occurrence and submitted to the Unit Commander EDU. An Incident report must be submitted and the appropriate agencies notified for any on set accident.
If there is a problem with the EDU attending or not attending the set, the location manager should deal directly with EDU.
Sufficient lead time is essential. If any large format pyrotechnic work is requested, an application should be submitted 72 hours before filming is to begin. Applications submitted without sufficient lead time may be denied without recourse.
The SPFX Pyrotechnics Letter of Intent Form must be filled out by the pyrotechnician when using SPFX explosives/pyrotechnics on film sets in the City of Toronto.
Download the SPFX Pyrotechnics Letter of Intent Form
Please email or fax this form, your site plan and MSDS sheet(s) to:
Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Office
filmtoronto@toronto.ca or Fax: 416-392-0675
Toronto Fire Service
TFS_Events@toronto.ca
Public Safety Unit – EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit)
Fax: 416-808-4901
Blast pressure analysis or demonstration of the effect for SPFX/pryrotechnics or gunfire may be required prior to a permit being issued.
The SPFX Firearms and Blank Gunfire Letter of Intent Form must be filled out by the gun handler when firearms and blank gunfire is used on film sets in the City of Toronto.
Download the SPFX Firearms and Blank Gunfire Letter of Intent Form
Please email or fax this form to:
Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Office
filmtoronto@toronto.ca or Fax: 416-392-0675
EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit)
Fax: 416-808-4901
Note: You may also be requested to fax a site plan and MSDS sheet(s). EDU will advise you. The need for EDU supervision when an air capsule gun is used will be determined on a case-by-case basis by EDU. Demonstration of the effect for gunfire may be required prior to a permit being issued.
The SPFX Squibs Only Letter of Intent Form must be filled out by the Pyrotechnician when squibs for bullet hits only are used on film sets in the City of Toronto.
Download the SPFX Squibs Only Letter of Intent Form
Please email or fax this form to:
Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Office
filmtoronto@toronto.ca or Fax: 416-392-0675
Public Safety Unit – EDU (Explosive Disposal Unit)
Fax: 416-808-4901
Production vehicles must be parked on City of Toronto streets in compliance with the following Traffic Prohibitions:
| Object | No Stopping, No Standing, No Parking1 Within: |
|---|---|
| Bridge/Underpass | No stopping, no standing, no parking |
| Bus Stop2 | 18.5 metres prior to Bus Stop – in direction of travel
30.5 metres beyond Bus Stop – in opposite direction of travel |
| TTC Streetcar Stop3
Road width 16.5 metres or less Road width 16.5 metres or more |
15 metres prior to Streetcar Stop – in direction of travel
36.5 metres beyond Streetcar Stop – in opposite direction of travel 24.5 metres beyond Streetcar Stop – in opposite direction of travel |
| Corner | 9 metres – if not signed
15 metres – if signed |
| Pedestrian Cross Walk | 18.5 metres prior to Cross Walk – in direction of travel
30.5 metres beyond Cross Walk – in opposite direction of travel |
| Dead End | 9 metres – if not posted
15 metres – if posted |
| Fire Hall4 | 7.5 metres from entrance – same side of street
30.5 metres – opposite side of street (to permit turning radius) |
| Fire Hydrant | 3 metres |
| Ramp | 0.6 metres |
| Railway Tracks (Not TTC) | 15 metres |
| Safety Zone (TTC Island) | 15 metres |
| Traffic Lights | 15 metres – with a Paid Duty Officer in intersection
30.5 metres – without Paid Duty Officer in intersection |
| Tee-Type Intersection | Minimum 9 metres or as signed |
1Unless otherwise currently signed/posted to the contrary by City of Toronto Works & Emergency Services.
2TTC/GO Transit may approve exceptions or may elect to relocate Bus Stop at the expense of Production.
3TTC may approve exceptions or may elect to relocate Streetcar Stop at the expense of Production.
4Fire Department may approve exceptions.
Toronto Paramedic Services provides dedicated on-site, medical coverage for all types of events, ranging in size from small film shoots and corporate functions, to community/street events and festivals as well as larger scale events that can draw a million attendees or more. We are the sole ambulance service provider within the City of Toronto that is licensed to transport patients in an emergency situation, to a hospital (under the Ambulance Act of Ontario).
To request our services for an event, please contact the Toronto Paramedic Services Planning Team:
Dawn Ainsworth
Tel: 416-397-0780
emsplanning@toronto.ca
The City of Toronto has tree protection by-laws and a target of 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050 to align with the City’s TransformTO NetZero Strategy. As such, requests to film near environmentally-sensitive areas, around natural features or to set-dress City-owned trees is restricted and subject to thorough review. Urban Forestry By-Laws regulate the injury and destruction of trees on both City and privately owned lands (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees). Removing, trimming and/or cutting of vegetation or trees is prohibited unless approved by the relevant municipal authority.
The City of Toronto Urban Forestry Services provide the essential services needed to protect, maintain and enhance the existing urban forest, including requests for servicing trees on city property, administration of tree bylaws, tree planting in city parklands and on streets, public planting events, management of ravines.
While the majority of Toronto’s trees grow on private property, they are an important part of the urban forest that is nurtured and protected by Urban Forestry Services. In some cases, trees on private property are protected and regulated under the provisions of municipal by-laws.
Effective September 30, 2004, Toronto City Council enacted a city-wide by-law to protect trees situated on private property. This by-law is known as City of Toronto municipal code, chapter 813, article III, ‘Tree Protection’ and is commonly referred to as the city’s “private tree by-law”. This by-law regulates injury or removal of privately owned trees which measure 30 cm in diameter or more as measured at 1.4 m above ground level.
All details and drawings need to be submitted by the film company. This information will be noted on the location filming permit.
Requests to bore holes on the City right-of-way for South District (Toronto & East York) should be directed to Right-of-Way Management Section.
The xoTO Neighbourhood Givebacks program amplifies what productions in Toronto are doing to thank the communities they film in.
Toronto is a film-friendly city and being able to showcase the generosity and involvement in the community from film, television and digital media productions goes a long way in nurturing the appreciation and support of residents.
We can help your production by:
For more information, please contact: filmtoronto@toronto.ca