Tillsonburg council wrestles with new film industry policy

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tillsonburg council hit the brakes on a proposed film industry policy presented at the Oct. 21 meeting.

Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow presented council with a proposed policy to attract film companies to town as part of direction provided at the Oct. 10, 2023, meeting. According to the report, over 80 municipal film offices have been set up to take advantage of opportunities in this $4.5-million industry. Not only would film production promote the town, but it would provide business for local restaurants, caterers, tradespeople and hotels.

As part of the process, Panschow researched what other municipalities are doing in this regard and has created a list of possible sites where filming could take place, both on municipal and private property.

The policy included a proposed motion that it be approved in principle and a three-year pilot commencing Jan. 1, 2025, with part-time staff support be considered in the 2025 budget, that film application fees be waived but companies still need to offset any direct municipal staffing costs and that a bylaw be brought forward authorizing the policy after public consultation.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if Panschow had consulted with other communities where filming is taking place, as the municipality is incurring some costs and may have to close streets.

Panschow explained that film companies would be responsible for any costs such as road closures and that the waiver of fees was only for the $100 application fee. He explained that part of the motion was to start public consultation to see if there is support for making private sites available for filming, and the other part was to discuss a part-time staff member during budget deliberations.

“If we don’t achieve those two items we wouldn’t be proceeding with this project,” he said.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy questioned why the fee should be waived. She said this shouldn’t cost taxpayers money and pointed out that if a road was closed, there could be thousands of upset residents.

Panschow answered that the fee waiver was because Tillsonburg was competing against other municipalities that were more advanced in film promotion. He emphasized companies would be charged for direct costs incurred by the town.

“I would suggest an amendment to include public consultations,” said Coun. Bob Parsons.

Coun. Kelly Spencer suggested only the first year have no fees.

Saying he agreed with Parsons and Gilvesy, Coun. Chris Parker said, “Let’s be honest if it’s a $100 fee, the movie should be able to take care of it.”

Gilvesy said she didn’t think the policy was ready for approval yet, as public consultation needed to take place. The council passed an amended motion, referring the policy back to staff to complete public consultation.