Types of film permits

Film activity that doesn't require a film permit

In certain cases, you might not need a film permit.

A letter in lieu of film permit is optional, but it may be helpful if you think members of the public, businesses, or other authorities may ask about your activities while filming.

Check if you qualify

Download a letter in lieu of film permit

We have 2 distinct film permits for:

Sidewalk, streets, and plazas (City Film and Special Events branch)
Parks and seawall abutting parks (Park Board Film and Special Events office)

Depending on the type of filming, there may be different declarations and fees for your film permit.

Permits based on the type of film production activity

Motion picture production and still photography
Permit required: Film permit (standard)

You will need insurance and a film permit if your production:
- Has equipment packages (anything more than hand-held camera, camera on tripod, or hand-held items, such as bounce-boards, boom mics, and more)
- Requires street parking for production vehicles
- Requires exclusive use of City property (except parks) as a film location
- Uses prop weapons, prop vehicles, actors in police uniform, or stunts on set
- Requires VPD or VFRS assistance Insurance is required
Steps to getting a film permit

Review film permit fees
Motion picture production and still photography on Park property
Low impact motion picture production and still photography
Permit required: Film permit (with ultra-low impact production declaration)

Ultra-low impact productions

Ultra-low impact productions (are eligible for a reduction of 85% off the daily permit fee.

Typically, ultra-low impact productions would be:
- Still photo shoots
- Short films
- Documentaries
- Music videos
- B-rolls
- Splinter units that have very small equipment packages and limited parking requirements or require exclusive use of City property for filming
Reduced fees

To get this reduced fee, you must:
1. Complete the standard film application process
2. Select “Ultra Low Impact Production” when prompted
Final determination of qualification for this reduced fee will be determined by when your application is reviewed.

Steps to getting a film permit

Review film permit fees
Student motion picture production and still photography
Permit required: Film permit (student production rate)

Student production rate

A student production rate is for students working on projects as part of their coursework while attending an accredited local educational institution.

Educational institute requirements

Educational institutes must have:
- An annual master agreement
- Valid insurance
The student production rate is available for both City and Park’s property.

Learn about filming on City or Park's property

Steps to getting a film permit

Review film permit fees
Using a drone
Possible permit required: Film permit (use of drone’s declaration)

We don't directly permit drone use. It is regulated by Transport Canada.

When you plan to use a drone as part of filming

If you use a drone as a part of filming, you must:
- Check "drone use" when prompted during your film permit application
- Follow all Transport Canada Guidelines and any other permit terms and conditions
If you plan to use a drone on Park property, you'll need to provide more information before we can approve your film permit.

There may be flight path restrictions in some areas and parks to protect wildlife, like birds during nesting season.

Insurance required if using a drone as part of filming

You must have valid aviation liability insurance, along with general liability insurance for filming.

Steps to getting a film permit