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Filming

Filming in Oshawa

HomeBusiness and DevelopmentFilming in Oshawa
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Located only 60 km from Toronto's downtown core, Oshawa is a unique backdrop for films of all genres. With easy access to Highway 401 and various untapped locations, filming is both convenient and welcomed in Oshawa.

Filming resources

The Oshawa Film Office is a one-stop shop for location scouts and assists with preliminary location scouting, film permit processing, and coordinating municipal logistics for all levels of filming. For immediate assistance and inquiries, please contact our Film Liaison via [email protected] or 905-436-3311 ext. 2289. 

Film Permit Application Request Form

  • Neighbourhood Notification Template
  • Search Oshawa on the Ontario Creates Digital Locations Library

Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.'s)

Do you require a Filming Location Permit for all filming activity in Oshawa?

All film and television production activity must be reported to and coordinated through Business and Economic Development Services at the City of Oshawa. This includes all requests for filming, whether on private or public property, but does not include street interviews, newscasts, press conferences or visual recordings for personal purposes.

What is the cost of obtaining a Filming Location Permit?

There is no cost to obtain a Filming Location Permit.

What is the process for getting approval to film in Oshawa?

A Filming Location Permit Request should be submitted to Business and Economic Development Services staff, and they will circulate all Filming Location Permit information to appropriate staff and external parties as required. This circulation and notification process may take up to five (5) business days or more, depending on the requested elements (road closure, Pay Duty Officers, etc.).

What paperwork is required for filming?

You will need to complete the following documents:

  • Filming Location Permit Request
  • Insurance Certificate as specified (please see Permit Terms and Conditions)

Depending on the details of your particular production, additional approvals or paperwork may be required.

Are there any regulations for using Special Effects (F.X.) and/or stunts?

The use of guns, gunfire, explosives, fireworks, bomb mock-ups, flash powder, detonators or flammable liquids/materials, otherwise known as Special Effects (F.X.), and the filming of dangerous stunts require notification of and approval from the appropriate authorities.

A Special Effects Plan shall be submitted for review by the appropriate authorities. There is a fee for the review of the Special Effects Plan. Paid Duty Police Officers, Fire Services and EMS personnel may be required at the filming location for the detonation of Special Effects (F.X.) and dangerous situations filming. Any costs associated with these filming activities, including any restoration work, are at the expense of the Production Company.

Do we have to notify residents and/or businesses in the area when filming?

The Production Company may be required to notify any affected residents and local businesses in writing, prior to the commencement of filming activities. The Production Company shall also provide a copy of the notification to the City to retain on file.

How can the Production Company minimize the impact of filming activities on adjacent neighbourhoods?

  • Noise: Make sure that you abide by the City’s Noise By-Law.
  • Lighting: Lighting for filming should be oriented away from neighbouring residences and businesses, where possible.
  • Generators: All generators used on streets or in public areas should be equipped with silencing attachments.
  • Night Filming: Filming should not take place in residential areas after 11:00 p.m. Any restricted activities will require written permission from the City.
  • Animals: Wild Animals and Exotic Animals as defined under By-Law 11-96, as amended, are not permitted to be kept within Oshawa under most circumstances.

What are the basic insurance requirements?

The Production Company shall have in place a Commercial General Liability insurance policy written on an occurrence basis with a liability limit of not less than five million dollars ($5,000,000), or an amount deemed to be satisfactory to the City at its sole discretion, per accident or occurrence and the policy must name the City of Oshawa as an Additional Insured. If Special Effects (F.X.) are involved in filming, the liability limit may be increased to an amount that is satisfactory to the City.

Will there be additional costs associated with filming in Oshawa?

  • Road Closures: If the filming requires intermittent traffic stops, rolling stops or a complete closure on a City road or a Region of Durham road, a Road Occupancy Permit (R.O.P.) will be required. There is a cost for a minor City R.O.P. Additional costs may be incurred for a road closure of a Region road. In addition to the fee for the R.O.P., there would be staff and equipment costs associated with closing a road, including but not limited to Paid Duty Police Officers. These fees may vary depending on the time of day, day of week and extent of closure. City Traffic Services will provide an estimate of anticipated costs for the applicant. Road Occupancy Permits are obtained using the Event Road and Sidewalk Use/Closure Application.
  • Special Effects (F.X.): There is a fee for the review of any Special Effects (F.X.), stunts or pyrotechnic plans. There may be additional costs for on-site Paid Duty Police Officers, Fire Services and E.M.S. personnel while shooting the Special Effects.
  • Parking: If the Production Company vehicles cannot be contained at the filming location, additional parking fees may be incurred. It is recommended that a full parking plan be established.
  • Facility Booking Permit: If the use of a City facility is required for filming (i.e. parking lot, park, community centre, etc.), then a Facility Booking Permit will be required for that use. The cost of the City facility will be determined by the Facility Booking Office at the time of application. The Facility Booking Office can be reached directly at (905) 436-3311.

Key Services/Agencies Contact Information:

Durham Regional Police Services – Communications

905-579-1520 x.4352

Durham Region E.M.S.

905-665-6313

Oshawa Fire Services – Communications Department

905-433-1237

Durham Regional Transit

905-579-2471

Oshawa Works Department

905-436-3311

Durham Region Works Department

905-668-7711

GO Transit (Fax #723-0565)

905-438-6646

Durham District School Board

905-666-5500

Durham Catholic District School Board

905-576-6150

Oshawa By-law Enforcement Office

905-436-3311

Oshawa Animal Services

905-436-3311

Oshawa Facility Booking Office

905-436-3888

Service Oshawa

905-436-3311

Film Liaison Office

905-436-3311 x.2289

Film Location Permit Terms and Conditions
  1. The Filming Permit Application Request (the "Application") shall be completed and returned with an Insurance Certificate and any sketches or maps no later than ten (10) working days prior to filming, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. If this Application is approved by the City, the City will issue the Production Company a permit, which must be retained by the Production Company for inspection at any site(s) where the filming will take place (the “Filming Location”).

  2. The Production Company shall continuously save and keep harmless and fully indemnify The Corporation of the City of Oshawa (the “City”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, claims, legal proceedings, charges, costs, damages, demands, expenses, fees (including legal fees), debts, judgments and any other liabilities or losses (“Claims”) which may be brought against or made upon or incurred by or suffered by or imposed on the City resulting from or arising out of or in any way related to this Application, the operations of the Production Company, the planning and execution of the filming and/or the issuance or existence of a permit.

  3. For the duration of filming, the Production Company shall procure and maintain a Commercial General Liability insurance policy written on an occurrence basis with a liability limit of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), or an amount deemed to be satisfactory to the City in its sole and absolute discretion, per accident or occurrence (the “Policy”), with the City named on the Policy as an Additional Insured without subrogation, and shall contain a cross liability and/or severability clause which protects each insured to the same extent as if they were separately insured. The Policy shall include, but is not limited to, third party bodily injury including death, property damage, personal injury, advertising liability, products and completed operations.  The Policy shall be taken out with an insurance company licensed to carry on the business of insurance in Ontario and shall be endorsed to provide that the City is to receive not less than thirty (30) days’ notice in writing in advance of any cancellation, material amendment, or change restricting coverage. Automobile liability insurance including all vehicles and commercial trailers owned or leased by the Production Company, for an amount not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) on forms meeting statutory requirements covering all vehicles and commercial trailers used in any manner in connection with the performance of the terms of this agreement.

  4. The Production Company shall verify that valid insurance coverage as set out in this Application is in place by submitting an Insurance Certificate to the City at least five (5) days prior to the commencement of filming, which must be acceptable in all respects to the City.

  5. In addition to this Application, the Production Company may be required to obtain other permits when filming on roads and/or property. It is the responsibility of the Production Company to ensure that all the required permits are in place prior to the commencement.

  6. If Special Effects (“FX”), such as pyrotechnics, are involved in the filming, then the Production Company must confirm that it has insurance coverage in place for FX operations.

  7. Where FX are required, the Production Company shall submit an FX Plan through Film Oshawa to Oshawa Fire Services for review, as well as pay any applicable fee as per the City’s General Fees and Charges By-Law 13-2003.

  8. If it is determined by Oshawa Fire Services, or requested by the Production Company, that an on-site Oshawa Fire Services vehicle is required, the Production Company shall pay the fee for the Oshawa Fire Services vehicle in accordance with the Ministry of Transportation’s rates in effect at the time of service.  This service consists of one fire suppression vehicle and four fire suppression staff.

  9. The Production Company shall ensure that adequate signage, barricades and signals to guide pedestrians and/or motorists around the Filming Location is provided, erected and maintained by the Production Company prior to, and during to the satisfaction of the The Production Company shall comply with any request by the City to move or remove any signage, barricades and signals, and upon completion of filming, the Production Company shall remove all signage, barricades and signals.

  10. The Production Company shall ensure that vehicular and/or pedestrian access to all properties is maintained during filming.

  11. The Production Company shall ensure that through traffic is maintained at all times during filming, unless otherwise approved by the City and/or The Regional Municipality of Durham (the “Region”).

  12. Traffic on a road may not be stopped in any direction for longer than a three (3) minute interval. If traffic must be stopped for a longer period, if a road is to be partially closed and/or if traffic is restricted in any way, it is the responsibility of the Production Company to complete the City’s Event Road and Sidewalk Use/Closure Application and/or request the necessary form from the Region to inform them of the road affected and the dates and time of commencement and completion of filming and obtain the appropriate Road Occupancy Permit (“ROP”).

  13. A Pay Duty Police Officer (“PDO”) must be at the Filming Location when traffic is stopped in any direction or for travelling.

  14. No permanent or temporary fixtures or road signs may be covered, removed or altered in any way without the express written approval of the City and/or the Region.

  15. The Production Company must comply at all times with local parking regulations, unless otherwise exempted by the City.

  16. When refuse collection will be interrupted as a result of filming, the Production Company shall be responsible for making alternate arrangements which are satisfactory to the City and the affected property owners.

  17. All vehicles associated with the Production Company filming which exceed maximum dimension or weight restrictions must have a valid moving permit approved by the City and/or the Region.

  18. The Production Company shall be responsible for all costs, including lost revenue, associated with the reservation or removal of parking meters.

  19. The Production Company shall be responsible for the removal of litter and the restoration of the Filming Location. If the Production Company causes any damage to the Filming Location, the Production Company shall be responsible for restoring the damaged property and/or providing compensation to the City and/property owner if the damage cannot be restored to the satisfaction of the City and/or the property owner.

  20. The Production Company must notify in writing any area residents and businesses that may be affected during filming at or near the Filming Location and provide to the City a copy of the notification along with a map detailing the area of notification.

  21. The Production Company must adhere to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and by-laws, as well as all policies and guidelines pertaining to the use of City-owned facilities, for the duration of filming and while at the Filming Location.

  22. The City’s Noise By-Law 112-82, and any other applicable municipal noise by-law, must be adhered to at all times. Any restricted activities will require written permission from the City.

  23. Night filming, interior or exterior, is permitted until 11:00 p.m. only, unless written approval is obtained by the City and all affected parties.

  24. Wild Animals and Exotic Animals as defined under the City’s Responsible Pet Owners By-Law 14-2010 (the “Pet By-Law”), as amended, are not permitted to be kept within the City under most Exotic Animals include, but are not limited to, horses, pigs, bats, all spiders, venomous insects, bears and weasels.  Refer to Schedule “A” of the Pet By-Law for a complete list of prohibited animals.  Upon conviction for a first offence, fines under the Pet By-Law may be imposed of up to $5,000 per occurrence.  For a subsequent conviction of the same offence, fines under the Pet By-Law may be imposed of up to $25,000 per occurrence.

  25. The Production Company acknowledge and agree that this Application may be disclosed by the City in response to a request for records pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M.56, as amended from time to time.

Filming location inspiration

Front view of Parkwood Estate building, with greenery surrounding, and architecture of beige stone and green roof
Parkwood National Historic Site

The scene is already set at Parkwood  – it’s a film-maker’s dream!

One visit to our beautiful Estate will definitely be enough to spark your imagination. Come and see the amazing possibilities this magnificent Estate has to offer. From the great pillars at the front entranceway and wrought-iron cantilever staircase, to its first of its kind bowling alley, fabulous 1917 kitchen and luxurious dining room, Parkwood is a moment waiting to be captured.

As a National Historic Site, Parkwood staff have been careful not to spoil the original quality of this 100 year old Estate, making it a wonderful time-warp location for period and fantasy films, as well as historical documentaries. 

Parkwood’s extraordinarily beautiful and meticulously preserved architecture and grounds are made for the big screen!

Learn More About Parkwood National Historic Site
Oshawa Executive Airport runway
Oshawa Executive Airport

The Oshawa Executive Airport is an exceptional location for filmmakers, offering a diverse range of settings that can bring your vision to life. With our modern facilities, expansive runways, and unique aviation backdrop, the airport provides a versatile environment perfect for various filming needs.

Whether you are shooting a feature film, television series, commercial, or documentary, Oshawa Executive Airport offers:

Diverse Locations: From hangars and runways to passenger terminals and lounges, we provide various on-site locations to suit your project’s needs.

Controlled Environment: Ensure the safety and security of your cast and crew with our controlled access and on-site support.

Ample Space: Our extensive facilities can accommodate large production teams and equipment.

We look forward to helping you create your next masterpiece at Oshawa Executive Airport!

Learn More About Oshawa Executive Airport
Man stands brightly lit in front of a yellow sports car, speaking to a crowd of individuals to the right and left.
ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel

The Automotive Centre of Excellence (A.C.E.), located at Ontario Tech University, is a high-tech research and testing facility that serves location managers who want to produce multiple shoots of diverse environments in a single day.

Producers can save time and money by shooting in our high-tech buildings, labs and offices as well as on our university campus locations on the same day. A farm and a large pond on campus provide even more opportunities to maximize your production's efficiency.

ACE has four other high-tech testing chambers, three large garage bays, lifts, large industrial doors, control rooms and many industrial rooms filled with circuit boards, piping and large machinery used to operate the facility. All of these provide even more filming options.

Maximize your return by utilizing all the different locations ACE has to offer, and enjoy truly endless filming possibilities—all in one place.

Learn More About ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel
Durham College Mixed Reality Capture (M.R.C.) Studio
The MRC Studio

The Durham College Mixed Reality Capture Studio (the MRC Studio) offers organizations access to technical expertise, a state-of-the-art motion capture stage with virtual reality tracking equipment, a green screen (compositing) space, and student talent, so that you can develop experiential applications, which integrate motion capture (mocap), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual production (VP).  

Mixed Reality is made possible by advancements in computer vision, graphical processing power, display technology, and input systems. Because of the unique features and experiences offered by Mixed Reality, businesses are beginning to explore the various ways to utilize the technology for the best possible results.

Huge potential can be seen in developing immersive and interactive simulation scenarios for multiple applications, including training and simulation environments for performance optimization, safety engineering, testing, education, and in the entertainment industry. 

Learn More About The MRC Studio

Previously filmed in Oshawa

Oshawa has been home to countless productions, with blockbusters like Stephen King's 'IT' and Margaret Atwood's 'The Handsmaid's Tale' choosing to film here; and several T.V. series that return to Oshawa season after season, like 'Matlock' and 'Titans'. The following is just a sample of the countless examples of filming happening in Oshawa every year:

 Highlights of recent productions:

  • Love It or List It - Reality T.V. (2024)
  • Cross - T.V. (2023)
  • Matlock - T.V. (2023)
  • The Handmaid's Tale - T.V. (2022)
  • Flint Strong - Feature (2022)
  • The Boys - T.V. (2022)
  • Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol - T.V. (2021)
  • Jack Reacher - T.V. (2021)
  • Station Eleven - T.V. (2021)
  • Schitts Creek - T.V. (2021)
  • Titans - T.V. (2019)
  • Umbrella Academy - T.V. (2019)
  • Designated Survivor - T.V. (2019)

Add your property as a potential filming location

If you own or manage a property that you would like to have listed in the Ontario Creates Locations Library as a potential film location, please complete the Ontario Film Commission's online form to submit your property for filming. 

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© 2022 City of Oshawa

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50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: [email protected]

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