Carleton Place proposes new film policy as movie and TV productions increase

Officials in the Carleton Place are proposing a new film policy aimed at managing the growing number of movie and television productions that are looking at the town as a filming location.

A draft policy sent to the Committee of the Whole and provided by from the town’s recreation and culture department pointed to an increasing interest from film and television crews in recent years, particularly for holiday-themed productions.

According to the policy, most filming projects remain in town for two or three days, though a recent production spent a total of three weeks shooting within the municipality.

The proposed policy would establish clear guidelines and a permitting process for production companies seeking to film within the town, whether on public or private property. The policy would apply to all commercial filming policy, excluding news and current affairs broadcasts.

“The film industry can provide both direct and indirect economic benefit to the community,” the draft policy states, noting the policy is intended to capitalize on those benefits while maintaining protections for residents, businesses and property owners.

Under the draft policy, production companies would be required to submit a filming notification form at least five business days before filming begins. Town staff would review the request and determine whether a permit is required, consulting with protective services, public works and bylaw enforcement as needed.

“Staff also contacted the Downtown Business Improvement Association and included provisions regarding parking on Bridge Street and surrounding streets as well as requiring approval from the BIA prior to issuing a Film Permit,” said town officials.

The draft also outlined proposed fees associated with filming. Most notably, a film permit would cost $250 plus HST, while production companies would pay $50 per space to reserve time-limited street parking on roads such as Bridge Street or Mill Street.

Parking for cast and crew in municipal lots would cost $10 per parking space. Additionally, a refundable security deposit starting at $1,000 would also be required, depending on the scale of the production and whether special effects are used.

Filming in the downtown area would require approval from the local business improvement association, and only one production would be allowed to film in the downtown core at a time.

The town also ensured that the policy includes guidance for clear communication with residents, explaining in the event of filming, town officials and the specific production company would mutually share responsibility for communicating with the public.

“The Town of Carleton Place shall ensure any road closures are communicated with residents in advance through social media and the Town’s e-newsletter, the CP Scoop,” the policy says. “As part of the permitting process, the Town shall ensure the Production Company provides written filming notice to all resident and business owners located within 120m of the designated filming area(s).”

At their meeting this week, Council reviewed and approved the updated draft policy, which was originally introduced as a consent item at the Feb. 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting.