Authorizing Interior Filming at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant - by Mayor John Tory, seconded by Councillor Gary Crawford

In 2003, City Council adopted a policy for Security Measures at Water and Wastewater Facilities for Filming, which prohibited filming in the interior of water treatment plants. In order to authorize the issuance of film permits for this project, a one-time exemption to this policy is required. The policy will remain in force and this exemption is only being contemplated in recognition of the considerable economic impact of the production in question. Specific locations and times for filming at the plant will be subject to the approval of the General Manager, Toronto Water, or designate, to ensure that the productions do not interfere with any operational or security requirements and to ensure protection of City property. Staff from Toronto Water and Economic Development and Culture will review the results of the exemption to determine if other filming requests from major productions could be accommodated at similar facilities in the future. This one-time exemption also supports the strategic objectives of Spotlight on Toronto: A Strategic Action Plan for the Film, Television and Digital Media Industry, which was adopted unanimously by City Council in 2017. Spotlight encourages the City to accommodate location filming requests on City properties where appropriate to enhance customer service and help to promote Toronto as a film-friendly City.