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 the 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:

  • relocate bins temporarily to one side of the street so that City collection vehicles only need to pass once;
  • place waste bins onto the street in front of production vehicles where they will be in clear view of City collection vehicles; or
  • stagger production vehicles to allow public access in different directions.

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.

Notification

  1. 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:

  • name of production company, title of production
  • production type (e.g. feature film, mini-series, TV series, television special, etc.)
  • type, duration and description of activity (i.e. times, dates and number of days, including prep and strike)
  • company contact including Location Manager and Location Assistant

Production Vehicle Restrictions

  1. Production vehicles arriving on location in or near a residential neighbourhood shall not enter the area before the time stipulated on the permit. Production vehicles shall park one by one, turning off engines as soon as possible. Cast and crew vehicles are not covered by the location filming permit and shall observe designated parking areas noted by location managers. This shall appear on the call sheet map. Filming in zoned residential areas only takes place between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless residents are surveyed and a majority has given their approval (written approval where possible, name and address noted if home owner / tenant / business owner has no objection but does not wish to sign).
  2. Moving or towing of any vehicle is prohibited without the express permission of the owner of the vehicle.
  3. Production vehicles shall not block, or park in, driveways without the express permission of the driveway owner.

Pedestrian Traffic

  1. Pedestrian traffic shall not be obstructed at any time. All cables and similar items must be channelled.

Trespassing

  1. 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.

Eating/Drinking/Smoking on Location

  1. No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time on any set or location.
  2. Cast and crew meals shall be confined to the area designated in the location agreement or permit. Individuals shall eat within their designated meal area, during scheduled crew meals. Productions are encouraged to serve litter-less lunches by using reusable alternatives to single-use plastic cutlery, paper napkins or disposable beverage containers. Productions should consider donating any leftover meals to a food rescue program. All trash must be disposed of properly upon completion of the meal. All napkins, plates, and coffee cups used in the course of the work day shall be disposed of in the proper receptacles. All catering, crafts service, construction, strike and personal trash must be removed from the location, ensuring that all locations are returned to their original condition.
  3. Cast and crew shall observe designated smoking areas and always extinguish cigarettes in appropriate containers.

Trees/Street Signs

The film office is committed to upholding the City of Toronto’s tree protection by-laws, as well as its target of 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050 to align with the City of Toronto’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.

  1. Removing, trimming and/or cutting of vegetation or trees is prohibited unless approved by the relevant municipal authority (existing city municipal code) or property owner.
  2. Film crew shall not remove city street signs. This must be done by City Transportation Services staff. Contact Toronto’s 311 system to arrange for this service.

Noise

  1. 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.

Etiquette

  1. Film company employees shall wear appropriate clothing while on location (i.e., t-shirts with offensive slogans or logos are not acceptable).
  2. Crew members shall not display signs, posters, or pictures on vehicles that members of the public may find offensive or objectionable (i.e. material containing vulgar language or sexual content).
  3. Every member of the crew shall wear a production pass (badge) when required by the location.
  4. The cast and crew shall not bring guests or pets to the location, unless expressly authorized in advance by the company.
  5. It is up to the film company to make alternate parking arrangements for residents in possession of a valid street parking permit for that area whose vehicles are displaced by the filming activity. Relocating vehicles by towing to accommodate filming or parking will not be permitted.

Compliance

  1. 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.

Non-Compliance

  1. The production company appreciates your cooperation and assistance in upholding the code of conduct. Failure to comply with this code of conduct can result in disciplinary action by the production company or your union, guild or association.
  2. If a production company is not adhering to this code of conduct, please email filmtoronto@toronto.ca or call 416-338-FILM (3456), Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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:

Film Permit Fees Tier 1:  Features, Series, Mini-Series, Pilots Tier 2: Commercials, Documentaries, Reality Television, Music Videos, Short Films Tier 3: Local News, Student Films
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

 

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.

.Pay for permit fees

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 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 to the discretion of Toronto Water.

1. Applicability

The following guidelines apply to all commercial location filming which takes place in the City of Toronto, with the exception of current affairs and live-to-air newscasts, real estate advertisements and construction surveys.

Student film makers should consult the instructions specific to them provided toward the end of these guidelines.

2. Permit Issuance

Permits for location filming are co-ordinated through and issued by the film office.

3. Application Timelines

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.

Timeline Examples

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. – 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.

Notes on Timelines

  • Changes to permits require 48 hours’ notice to affected residents and businesses and two full business days’ notice to the film office.
  • Revisions that do not meet these timelines cannot be accepted, as film office staff require time to notify and coordinate with other City divisions.
  • Changes to permits include:
    • adding new streets or extending footprints on previously submitted streets;
    • adding parking meters;
    • extending filming and parking times;
    • adding filming dates;
    • adding prep, wrap and coning dates;
    • adding special effects;
    • adding unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone work;
    • adding major set dressing; and/or
    • any other significant filming component.
  • Please plan ahead by including weather dates, extra parking and all potential filming needs to your original applications.

4. Notification

  • Community: 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.
  • City of Toronto Councillors: 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.

5. Time Restrictions

  • Permits authorizing filming/parking between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. in areas zoned residential will not be approved unless the majority of affected residential property owners/authorized personnel have given their approval. The film office will determine the impacted area in which signatures of approval must be obtained. Please visit the Letters of Notification page for the updated process.
  • Permit exemptions authorizing filming/parking between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. in areas zoned residential will not be approved if the majority of affected residential property owners/authorized personnel object to the requested exemption. The film office will determine the impacted area in which the Have Your Say letter must be distributed for community feedback. Please visit the Letters of Notification page for the updated process.
  • Permit exemptions authorizing filming/parking between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. in areas not zoned residential letter may still require the distribution of a Have Your Say letter to impacted residential property owners/authorized personnel. The film office will determine the impacted area in which the Have Your Say letter must be distributed for community feedback.
  • Filming by students is not permitted between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. without exception.

6. Usage Limitations

  • Location filming/parking in areas zoned residential will be limited to two occasions per calendar year for each residential block. Productions may receive an exemption to this guideline by distributing a Have Your Say letter to impacted residential properties, and only when the majority of affected property owners/authorized personnel do not object. The film office will determine the impacted area in which the Have Your Say letter must be distributed for feedback. Please visit the letter of notification section for our most up-to-date processes. Please visit the Letters of Notification page the updated process.
  • Filming/parking in areas zoned residential for a period of seven consecutive days, inclusive, or longer is not permitted unless productions distribute a Have Your Say letter to impacted residential properties and the majority of affected property owners/authorized personnel do not object. The film office will determine the impacted area in which the HYS letter must be delivered. Please visit the Letters of Notification page the updated process.
  • The amount of filming/parking permitted in a given area, regardless of its zoning, may also be limited as determined by the film office in consultation with the local ward Councillor.
  • Priority or even exclusive use for filming in specific residential areas may be given to larger-scale productions that have identified those areas as reoccurring locations for the duration of their feature production or series season.
  • Filming by students satisfying curricular requirements is not considered commercial filming and will not be counted toward usage limitations in areas zoned residential.

7. Consideration to Residents, Occupants and Business Owners

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.

  • Lighting: 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 exemption request process noted in section 5 and do not need to be mentioned again or require a separate guideline exemption].
  • Noise: 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.
  • Generators & Portable Washrooms: 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.

8. Disruption to Residents, Occupants and Business Owners

  • Production companies are responsible for ensuring that there is minimal disruption to residents, occupants, business owners and City of Toronto employees where filming occurs. Residents, occupants, business patrons and the general public must retain pedestrian and vehicular access to properties surrounding the filming location.
  • Production companies are not obligated by the City of Toronto to compensate residents, occupants or business owners for film-related disruptions, although they may do so voluntarily or if they are otherwise legally obligated to do so by another party.
  • Production companies must make every effort to accommodate displaced residents with valid street parking permits and those persons requiring accessible accommodations.

9. Identification of Production Vehicles

  • All black-plated vehicles carrying equipment or otherwise involved in the production will be issued parking permits, which must be displayed with the parking information page(s) of the film permit on their dashboards. Production companies must determine in advance the number of production vehicles requiring parking permits. Productions are encouraged to limit the number of vehicles on location to only those required. Vehicles are not permitted to idle at any time.
  • Blue-plated personal automobiles used by cast and crew or student filmmakers will not be issued parking permits. Personal automobiles must park where available and permitted, in accordance with all posted and non-posted parking regulations. Cast and crew are encouraged to carpool, take public transit or production shuttles, cycle and walk to locations whenever possible. Cast and crew are responsible for paying all applicable parking meters on site for their blue-plated personal automobiles. If a production requires that a blue-plated personal automobile be designated as a production vehicle, please advise your Film Permit Coordinator before the issuance of your film permit. Parking permissions for blue-plated personal automobiles cannot be retroactively added to film permits.

10. Traffic

  • Production vehicles must comply with all traffic regulations, unless exempted under permit.
  • Moving vehicles shall comply to the posted speed limits and to lawful road conditions, unless directed otherwise by a Paid Duty Police Officer or where the road has been closed under permit.
  • Moving vehicles must comply with regulations governing traffic in city parks and on city properties, unless exempted under permit.
  • To minimize congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, road closures and traffic stoppages are restricted during rush hours. TTC vehicle and bicycle traffic travelling through on-street film locations will be prioritized.
  • Anticipated disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic must be noted on the film permit and letter of notification. Production companies must ensure that vehicular and pedestrian access is not impeded for persons requiring accessible accommodations.

11. Parking, Standing and Stopping for Production Vehicles

  • Production vehicles must adhere to all parking regulations specified on the permit and must not impede emergency response vehicles. Please read the list of the specific parking prohibitions.
  • On city streets, production vehicles must not block driveways or other access points without the approval of the affected property owners.
  • On city streets where vehicles are displaced for filming, production companies must make an effort to find alternate parking locations for residents in possession of valid street parking permits.
  • Towing vehicles to accommodate filming or film-related parking is prohibited.
  • In city parks, production vehicles and equipment must not block driveways or access points. Production vehicles must leave at least two feet of clearance on either side of a driveway, ramp, or other access points. Production vehicles should not be driven on the turf unless permitted by the park supervisor and noted in the film permit.

12. Traffic Stoppages

  • The film office may permit intermittent stoppages (to a maximum of three minutes or otherwise negotiated) outside of rush hours and under the supervision of a Paid Duty Police Officer.
  • Production companies must coordinate through the film office any removal, alteration and reinstallation of traffic or street signage.

13. Filming Activities and Relationship to Police/Fire/Ambulance

  • Specialized Paid Duty Police Officers are required for the detonation of pyrotechnic special effects or the use of simulated gunfire on set. Blast analyses or decibel measurements may be required in advance of filming and additional time may be needed to arrange for these tests.
  • Qualified Emergency Medical Services personnel must be on set during the filming of dangerous situations, such as special effects or stunts.
  • The Toronto Fire Department must be advised in advance when the use of flammable liquids or materials are used on set.
  • Paid Duty Police Officers are required on set for the use of prop guns visible to the public, pyrotechnical and simulated gunfire special effects, intermittent traffic stoppages and traffic control on public property. Film productions must supply the Paid Duty Officer on set with a copy of the film permit and any other governing documents.
  • Production companies are responsible for all associated costs when hiring police, fire or paramedic personnel.
  • Emergency vehicle access must be maintained through all road closures related to filming.

14. Clean-up and Waste Diversion

  • 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.
  • Permanent or toxic materials may not be used for set dressing city properties. Material Safety Data Sheet documentation may be request by the film office for review before permitting the use of certain productions on location.
  • At the end of the filming day, production companies must clean and return each location to its original condition, with a minimal amount of disruption to the surrounding community. Refuse, recycling and organic waste must be taken by production away from the location for lawful disposal.
  • At an expense to production companies, arrangements for cleaning can be made with divisions of the City of Toronto.
  • Debris or materials from set, such as but not limited to temporary paints or artificial snow dressing, must not be washed into catch basins.

15. Conduct

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.

16. Insurance

  • All production companies filming in the City of Toronto must provide the film office, prior to permit issuance, a certificate of comprehensive general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000, per occurrence, or such higher limits as the City of Toronto reasonably requires depending on the nature of filming.
  • All such policies shall add the City of Toronto as an additional insured party and shall not call into contribution any other insurance available to the City of Toronto.
  • In addition, such policies, may not be cancelled or amended without the prior written consent of the City of Toronto via the film office.
  • If a production company desires for privacy or security reasons to use an alias project title for a major feature or television series, its location manager should speak to the film permit coordinator assigned to the production. The production company may be requested to revise its certificate of insurance to ensure that all necessary parties are sufficiently insured.

17. Expenses

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.

18. Security Deposit

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.

19. Safety

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.

20. Student Filming Instructions

  • Student filming is not considered commercial filming.
  • Student filming – conducted with or without a film permit – must abide by the safety guidelines for the film and television industry in Ontario, as well as the Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew.
  • The City of Toronto remains committed to nurturing the next generation of film makers and working with educational institutions that require their students to apply for film permits as academic exercises.
  • Student film makers applying for permits as part of school work must apply using their school name as the production company name and provide to the film office a copy of their educational institution’s certificate of insurance.
  • Film makers who are post-secondary students but applying for commercial film permits for projects not associated with their academic work must provide a certificate of insurance separate from their educational institution’s certificate of insurance. The production company name on their application form must match the production company named on their certificate of insurance.
  • Students will be issued grid permits instead of location permits when and where possible.
  • Blue-plated personal automobiles used by student filmmakers will not be issued parking permits. Personal automobiles must park where available and permitted, in accordance with all posted and non-posted parking regulations.
  • Student filming – conducted with or without a film permit – will not be counted towards usage in residential areas.
  • Student filming – conducted with or without a film permit – will not be permitted between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • Student filming is not permitted to undertake any special effects, use of prop weapons in public view or traffic stoppages requiring Toronto Police Services approval or Paid Duty Office supervision.
  • Film makers below the post-secondary level will not be issued permits by our office.

21. Film Location Restrictions

  • Filming may be restricted or prohibited at particular properties in the City of Toronto. For example, filming the United States Consulate at 360 University Avenue is strictly prohibited.
  • Filming on controlled access highways, such as the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, requires special consideration.
  • Filming at or around locations deemed sensitive by the film office due to tragic or violent incidents will require additional lead time for the film office to review and coordinate requests for these areas. Productions will also need to provide a copy of the script with their applications to ensure the suitability of the location for their proposed scenes. Violent content or scenes that may alarm the public are not suitable for these locations.
  • The film office reserves the right to refuse permits to production companies or individuals who have failed in the past to adhere to these guidelines or any filming guidelines of the former municipalities now forming the City of Toronto.

Related links:

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.

Related links

We require the following information to arrange for permission to film at a Toronto park:

  • Three business days’ notice prior to the date of filming for small format and four business days for large format.
  • A brief description of what the scene involves. A site meeting may be required.
  • The date of filming, times, prep and wrap. (Include a rain date).
  • What equipment is being brought into the park.
  • Total number of cast and crew.
  • Total number of production vehicles and parking location.
  • Any other relevant details (i.e. SPFX, picture vehicles, set dressing, etc.)

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 of Toronto’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.

Related links

Production Information is required prior to receiving a film permit. The information reported helps the City gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the film industry in Toronto.

You must fill out your production information in FilmPal.

Background

  • The film office accumulates confidential data on production activity to promote continued support for the industry at all levels of government. This is an accepted practice by both Canadian and U.S. production companies and film commissions worldwide.
  • Information on monies that a production intends to spend in Toronto is collected, not above-the-line expenditures.
  • Production managers and/or production accountants working on features and made-for-television movies provide this figure on a total money spent in Toronto basis, including post-production.
  • TV series report either a total per cycle expenditure or an average episodic expenditure, including post-production.

The following applies to all production units:

  1. Absolutely no crew or cast vehicles shall be parked within the permitted area.
  2. Long format 1 productions shall be limited to 40 (red) vehicle permits per production unit, e.g. Main &/or 2nd Unit
  3. Short format 2 productions shall be limited to 20 (red) vehicle permits per production.
  4. Usable road allowance will be left to the discretion of film office staff in consultation with Works & Emergency Services staff and the Toronto Police Service.
  5. No vehicles or trailers with a ‘pop out’ or ‘slider’ shall be permitted to extend these devices into traffic, or in the direction of the skip/delineation line.
  6. Sliders may be extended toward the sidewalk, provided that the vehicle remains entirely in the curb lane and does not park beyond the skip/delineation line. Further, that the ‘slider’ does not occupy, obstruct or unreasonably interfere with pedestrian traffic. Should ‘sliders’ be used, they must leave a minimum of 5′ or 1.5 m of unobstructed sidewalk space and may at no time occupy or obstruct greater than half of the available sidewalk.

  1. For the purposes of these recommendations, long format is considered to be anything larger/ longer than a Commercial, Music Video, Industrial and Short Film.
  2. For the purposes of these recommendations short format is considered to be anything smaller/ shorter than a TV Series, MOW, or Feature length film.

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.

Related Links

Use of Special effects Firearms Explosive Devices and Flammable Liquids

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.

Prop guns/ replica firearms

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:

  1. Accompany Police Officers on patrol.
  2. Film in Police buildings.
  3. Borrow or use Police uniforms or equipment.
  4. Include Police Officers in a film production.

Explosives technicians

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 Co-ordinator 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.

Paid Duty Officer Responsibilities

When arriving on set, the Paid Duty Officer

  • Will ensure a valid permit has been issued and the production is operating within the permit parameters
  • Will ensure that all pyro-technicians have the appropriate licensing for the effect(s) to be performed
  • Will ensure that a pyrotechnic plan (where applicable) is being adhered to
  • Will ensure that all explosives on set are properly stored and appropriate safety measures are used
  • Must be satisfied that the gun handler has all the appropriate permits and licences for any weapons he/she brings on set
  • Must check all firearms and ammunition prior to being used on set.
  • Must address improper use of weapons on set
  • Must ensure that adequate safety equipment and/or personnel are on set to handle any emergency situation arising from the use of firearms, explosives or pyrotechnics on set.

It is strongly recommended that when on set Paid Duty Officers are readily recognizable as a police officer.

Safety Issues

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 your concerns he/she should be cautioned regarding the repercussions of both criminal and civil liability. Further your concerns should be brought to the attention of the 1st A.D. and the on-set safety officer or union representative.

Please note:

  • When a firearm is being used, cast and crew must use all necessary protective equipment.
  • Prior to gunfire or explosions going off, the police radio room must be notified. In the case of an explosion Toronto Fire Services must also be notified.
  • If an accident occurs on set the Paid Duty Officer shall ensure that prompt medical attention is provided.

Personal Injury

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.

Criminal Charges

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.

SPFX pyrotechnics/letter of intent form

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.

SPFX firearms and blank gunfire/letter of intent form

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.

SPFX squibs only/letter of intent form

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

Related links

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

Related link

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 of Toronto’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.

City-owned trees

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.

Privately owned trees

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.

Boring Holes

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:

  1. Identifying high-impact givebacks for areas of the city you film in, at any budget
  2. Celebrating those givebacks to the public.

For more information, please contact: filmtoronto@toronto.ca