Filming Permits

You must obtain a Film Permit from the Town of Whitby if you are looking to film on Town streets, parks, facilities and property. Keep your permit on-site throughout your filming production time so that you have it available for inspections.

Applying for a Film Permit

Please complete the Filming Permit Application to apply for a film permit. You must submit your completed application at least 15 business days before filming starts.

Your application must include:

General comprehensive liability insurance
Signed and executed Hold Harmless Agreement
Copy of facility permit and proof of payment for use of any Town facilities
Copy of letter provided to residents and/or businesses advising of filming activities
Traffic control plan and list of public roads and properties that will be used

You must receive the permit before any filming begins.

Potential requirements

Depending on the nature of the film production, you may need to provide the following:

Payment of a $500.00 plus HST film permit fee for commercial film productions
All permits, notices and related documentation with the Durham Regional Police Service if you are using paid duty officers, mock police vehicles, detonations or pyrotechnic special effects

Public notifications

You must notify all residents and businesses that will be impacted at least five business days before filming begins. In the letter, you please include the following information:

Dates and times of filming (including set-up and tear-down)
Name and type of production
Description of the story line
Full description of any special effects and impacts to neighbouring homes and businesses (e.g., pyrotechnics, detonations, parking limitations, etc.)
Contact name and telephone number of Site Location Manager

Additional terms and conditions

Please review the following terms and conditions to see if they apply to your film project.

Roads

If filming will impact Town roadways, you must follow these conditions:

Provide a detour route with appropriate signage
Make arrangements with Durham Region Police Service to direct traffic flow if deemed necessary
Traffic may not be stopped in any direction for longer than three-minute intervals
Film production vehicles must not block fire hydrants, fire routes, stop signs and traffic signals
Driveways and other access ramps must not be blocked without written approval from the Town
No permanent or temporary fixtures or road signs can be covered, removed or altered in any way without written approval from the Town
Maintain pedestrian and vehicle access for all properties
Any required maintenance or repairs will be conducted by the Town and paid for by the film production
All production vehicles that are larger than the regulations outlined in the Highway Traffic Act must receive an escort to and from the location by Durham Region Police Service

Other restrictions

Review the following terms and conditions to see if they apply to your filming project:

If filming interferes with garbage and recycling collection, you must make alternate arrangements
You must clean and remove litter from the filming location once filming is complete. The Town will charge you for any additional cleaning.
You must follow the Noise By-law. No activity can take place between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. unless those impacted have been notified and you've received written approval from the Town.
The Town Clerk can withdraw the Filming Permit at anytime if you fail to comply with all terms and conditions