LAURIE WEIR
The Town of Smiths Falls is set to adopt a new bylaw to streamline and support film production activities within the community, but consultation with a neighbouring Lanark County community will be done first.
The proposed “Guide to Filming and Application Process” outlines a formal approval system for movies and major media productions.
The new guide responds to a growing interest in filming in the town, with three productions already taking place in 2024. Recent filming activities involving road closures and permits have prompted staff to improve coordination between departments and businesses.
Key aspects of the new process include permit issuance, fees, insurance requirements, and consideration for local traffic and business operations. A modest $100 application fee is recommended, with additional costs for municipal services. The process aims to promote filming opportunities while ensuring clear communication and minimizing disruptions.
Fees over and above the application fee would include policing or park rentals, noted Julia Crowder, manager of economic development and tourism, in her report to council on Sept. 23.
Coun. Jay Brennan asked if staff reviewed the policy from Mississippi Mills, as this area is a hot spot for movies – especially of the Hallmark variety.
Crowder indicated that they did not, but looked at Gravenhurst and Muskoka “and other larger municipalities.”
Brennan said after a first read-through of the policy, he “thought it was pretty granular … I think we’re asking for a lot more hoops to be jumped through.”
Brennan asked that they do a more fulsome comparison with Mississippi Mills, “as some film companies may say they (Smiths Falls) are putting us through the wringer here.”
He suggested simplifying the Smiths Falls policy for film production to make it more user-friendly.
Coun. Dawn Quin agreed with her colleague, saying the town is more comparable to the other Lanark County town than Gravenhurst. “We need a policy to encourage film companies to come to Smiths Falls,” she indicated.
Coun. Jennifer Miller, who chaired the meeting, also agreed that a quick phone call to Mississippi Mills would be for comparison.
Miller said she heard several complaints about the last time a film crew was in town, “and that was the lack of communication – our communication about the fact that it was happening,” she said. “I’d like to see communication strategy built into this. I think Mississippi Mills may have some words of wisdom for us about compensation for the businesses.”
She said if they are forced to close a business for any length of time due to filming, “then maybe there is something there that the film company can do for the businesses, so we’re not adversely affecting our good folks downtown.”
Coun. Steve Robinson asked for a deferral until they learned the strategies of Mississippi Mills, a suggestion that Coun. Chris McGuire agreed with it.
Crowder will bring back more information after a comparison with Mississippi Mills has been completed before a vote by council.
The guide is expected to bolster the local economy and attract further interest from the film and television industry.
