A new policy put forward by the District of Sechelt will regulate how filming is done in the area, and what fees will apply.
District council put forward the proposal on Dec. 20, after a film scout approached them looking to use district facilities, parks and the downtown as potential filming sites starting in February.
The district currently does not have a policy or bylaw to regulate filming within Sechelt, and council says there is an opportunity to attract a new industry to the area. They add the district has a lot to offer to the B.C. film industry with its many beaches, downtown and community parks.
Staff looked at multiple municipalities in the Lower Mainland to compare fees and decide where they would place them. According to staff, their fees would align more similarly with Gibsons.
Councillor Darren Inkster says this could help bring more revenue to businesses in the area.
“I know that some may say that you don’t make a lot of money but the accommodation of the personnel that work in movies could be in the hundreds and the actors that come from town to be in it and the catering that is every day and the local supplies they have to buy for the catering is huge,” said Inkster.
“I’m really supportive of something that moves forward expeditiously so that we can put it out there that we’re willing to support some of the movies that are happening in neighbouring jurisdictions.”
Council says that upon adoption of the policy, staff will review bylaws to find potential amendments influenced by the film policy including:
- Parks Bylaw No. 116, 1990
- Highways and Parking Bylaw 516, 2012
- Bylaw Enforcement Implementation Bylaw 515, 2012
- District of Sechelt Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 575, 2019
- Business License Bylaw 520, 2012
- Fireworks Prohibition Bylaw No. 445, 2005
- Business Improvement Area Bylaw 599, 2021
- Noise Bylaw No. 519, 2012
Staff add they could create more amendments after the first filming project is done in Sechelt. They add there are a variety of different fees they could charge, and they do not want to be as high as Vancouver or other larger areas.
Councillor Inkster added he is looking forward to the policy increasing more film production in Sechelt.
“Hallmark is coming to Gibsons in January again, so wholesome family movies. It would be great to see something like that in Sechelt,” said Inkster.
Council voted to pass first, second and third readings for the policy.
