Fees and services

The Film Activity Permit is written after consultation with the Location Manager and specifies all activity that will affect the normal use of public property. Film Activity Permits are issued to the film company as soon as final approval of all activities has been granted, and should be reviewed by senior production staff before filming begins. It is a requirement of the Film Activity Permit that the location manager or assistant location manager be on location throughout the filming day.

Each filming location / day will require at least one Film Activity Permit, at a cost of $150 per permit (plus HST).

Street use permit & fee

If street space is required for the parking of vehicles, picture continuity or equipment placement, a Street Use Request should be sumbitted for approval, along with the Film Locations Worksheet. The Vancouver Film Office will then issue Street Use Permits in conjunction with a Film Activity Permit. Locations at which street space is occupied or other City services are required will receive at least one Street Use Permit.

Each permit costs $150 (plus HST). The amount of street space being used and the types of City services required will determine the number of permits required.

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Park Board permit/fees

Required for any filming activity within the City of Vancouver Parks Board property.

The rates are as follows (includes HST):

• major parks and beaches $832.14/day
• neighbourhood parks $624.11/day
• photography - simple $156.25/day
• photography - complex $311.61/day

Visit Vancouver Park Board website for more information.

Vancouver police fees

Police provide traffic control, weapons and vehicular escorts. To book Officers contact the Emergency Operations and Planning section of the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3081.

Requests must be received by the Police Department a minimum of 2 working days prior to the call-out. If the work required is extensive and involves several officers, a supervising Sergeant will be assigned. Officers and Sergeants are paid overtime rates with a minimum three-hour call-out. Rates include equipment and administration fees (HST not included).

Average rates are:

• Sergeant $136.22/hour
• Officer $108.99/hour
• Traffic Authority $50/hour

For more information, visit the Emergency Operations and Planning (EOPS) website.

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Fire department fees

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services provide safety equipment and crew as required for the execution of special effects.

The rates are as follows (not including HST):

• Fire engine $110/hour or portion
• Officer $100/hour or portion
• Firefighter $82/hour or portion

The Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Training Classroom is also available for filming purposes at a rate of $400/day. The Training Academy is also available for $1,500/day.

A complete list of all personnel and equipment hiring costs is available on the Vancouver Fire Department website.

Electrical permit fees

Electrical Permits can be obtained at City Hall, 453 W 12th Ave., East Wing, 2nd Floor.

Fees (not including HST)

• Annual permit for filming in a studio:$466
• Annual permit for filming in multiple locations based on at least 6 (six) locations: $912
• Permit for filming in single or multiple locations for a period not exceeding:
  • 14 days $152
  • 30 days $304
  • 60 days $456
  • 90 days $760

Business Licenses (required with Electrical Permit) cost $86 and are valid until December 31st of the year in which they have been issued. Visit the City of Vancouver Business License website.

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Hydrant permit fees

Access to the City's water system is available through fire hydrants. To use a hydrant, you must have a permit from the Sewer and Water Connections counter (of the City of Vancouver's Engineering department). In order to receive a Fire Hydrant permit without any confusion or delay, the client should go to the Client Service Centre on the main floor of City Hall with:

• a copy of the Backflow Prevention assembly test report (no older than one year) for the Backflow Device(s) you intend to use.
• serial number of each hydrant to be used.
• exact location of the hydrant(s) to be used. You may also call ahead to confirm the availability of the hydrants you would like to use.

There are two options for payment if you require a hydrant permit:

1. Let your Film Coordinator know you will need this permit within your first conversations - all fees will be included in your deposit; OR
2. Deal directly with the Sewer and Water Connections counter and pay separately.

Fee for a hydrant permit: $150 (does not include HST), plus a $500 refundable deposit. This permit can be applied to a maximum of four hydrants and is valid for two months. When use of the hydrant is no longer required, return the permit, and an inspector will examine the hydrant. The deposit will be returned to the production company if there is no damage to the hydrant. For more information call 604-873-7357.

Payment

A production must open an account before filming begins and deposit the estimated cost for all City services that will be necessary.

The City of Vancouver accepts:

• certified cheque (drawn on a Canadian bank account)
• money orders
• cash
• wire transfer (call the Film Office for details)

When all filming in the City is complete, the account will closed and an invoice or a refund for the balance will be issued.

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