Filming in Vancouver

Permits for Filming

Park Permit Agreement

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has over 1200 hectares of parkland in more than 190 parks.

The parks are located throughout the City and offer a wide variety of facilities (i.e. playing fields, baseball diamonds, pools, golf courses, ice rinks, marinas, restaurants, gardens, and community centres) for filming.

In order to film at a park or beach area within the City of Vancouver a permit from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is required.

Download an application form 

City Film Activity Permit

If your filming or parking occurs on City Streets or Property, you will be required to apply for a City of Vancouver Film Permit. The Film Activity Permit is written after consultation with the Location Manager and a representative from the City, 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.

If street space is to be used for continuity or for the parking of vehicles, the Vancouver Film Office will issue Street Use Permits in conjunction with a Film Activity Permit. Visit their website to download application forms.

Electrical Permit

Prior to filming, an Electrical Permit must be obtained from Permits and Licenses on the 2nd Floor of the East Wing of City Hall (2675 Yukon Street). The applicant (production company) must hold a valid electrical qualification certificate issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector of BC (Safety Branch at 750 Pacific Boulevard) and a valid Vancouver Business License. The applicant should be prepared to provide a list of locations and times at which inspections will be required. More information about this permit can be obtained by calling 604-873-7601 or 604-873-7602.

Electrical Permit Fees (tax is not applicable):

• Annual permit for filming in a studio: $306.00.
• Annual permit for filming in multiple locations with a minimum of one inspection per month: $1200.00.

Electrical Permit Fees for filming in a single or multiple locations for a period not exceeding:

• 14 days $100.00
• 30 days $200.00
• 60 days $400.00
• 90 days $600.00

Business Licenses cost $93.00 and are valid until December 31st of the year in which they have been issued.

All production companies are required to obtain an Electrical Permit for filming.

Permits can be obtained by:

• A registered Electrical Contractor.
• A representative of the production company who holds a valid business license and employs a holder of a valid certificate of qualification issued by the Electrical Safety Branch of the Province of British Columbia.

Applicants are required to provide a list of locations and times that inspections may be required.

Electrical Permits and Business Licenses are available at:

2675 Yukon Street, 2nd floor
Vancouver City Hall, East Wing

Hydrant Permit

Access to the City's water system is available through fire hydrants. To use a hydrant, you must have a permit from the Water Design branch of the City of Vancouver's Engineering Department.

When applying for a hydrant permit, provide:

• Exact location of the hydrant(s) to be used.
• Serial number of each hydrant to be used.
• A cheque for a deposit of $500 CAD.

Fee for a hydrant permit: $160.50 CAD (includes all applicable taxes). This permit can be applied to up to three 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 cheque will be returned to the production company if there is no damage to the hydrant.

If you require access to a fire hydrant within Stanley Park special arrangements must be made through the Plumbing Department to ensure that you have a properly inspected back-flow preventor. Contact John Hollander at 604-257-8561.

Stunts and Special Effects

Vancouver has been host to many large and elaborate stunts and special effects. With adequate lead-time and good planning almost anything can be achieved. The Stunts and Special Effects  document outlines the procedures for obtaining approval.

Police

Vancouver Police will be required on set if there is a need for traffic control, weapons escort, or to otherwise ensure public safety. Police officers can be booked through the Operational Planning Section of the Vancouver Police Department a minimum of two working days prior to film day. Requests can be made by contacting the Vancouver Police Department, Emergency and Operation Planning Section (EOPS) at 604-717-3081.

All requests must include:

• Number of officers required, if any (subject to Police review).
• Date and time (start and end).
• Meeting location.
• Description of the exact duties the Police Officers are expected to perform. For more information on services provided by the Vancouver Police Department, visit their website.

Fire Department

The Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services provides service to the film industry through the Fire Prevention Office (FPO). The FPO is involved in all special effects that involve the combustion of materials. Special Effects Coordinators should be in touch with the FPO at least two weeks in advance of filming date. The Vancouver Fire Department also rents fire trucks and other equipment for use in productions.

Visit the Fire Prevention Office website, for further details about services provided to the film industry.

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