Traffic, parking concerns shape film policy review

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

County of Brant councillors have backed updates to the municipality’s filming policy following a public review that found most residents support film production but want stronger communication, traffic management and clearer rules in residential areas. The recommendations still require final ratification by council. 

A report presented to the county’s Policy Development Committee on May 5 recommends enhanced public communication around filming activity and a review of filming parameters in residential neighbourhoods alongside the county’s upcoming noise bylaw review. 

The current filming policy was adopted in September 2024 after significant filming activity in downtown Paris for the Amazon TV Series Motorheads sparked complaints from residents and businesses. The policy introduced “Downtown Filming Zones” in Paris, St. George and Burford, which created stricter notification requirements and “blackout dates” preventing filming during peak tourism periods and major community events. 

County staff surveyed residents earlier this year to determine whether the policy was working as intended after filming resumed in Paris, St. George and Middleport throughout 2025. 

According to the engagement summary, 79 per cent of respondents said filming was either a positive experience or had no impact on them. Just 21 per cent reported a negative experience. 

Among residents who experienced filming near their homes in the last year, more than half described the experience as positive, while fewer than 10 per cent said filming caused significant disruption to their daily lives. 

Residents identified neighbourhood excitement, improvements to storefronts and economic benefits to local businesses among the positives associated with filming. When asked about the biggest benefit of hosting productions, 42 per cent cited spending at local businesses. 

Still, the review highlighted several recurring frustrations.

Traffic disruptions, road closures and parking pressures generated the highest number of complaints, particularly involving production vehicles parked in residential areas. Residents also raised concerns about idling vehicles and overnight noise. 

The county’s review found many residents want clearer communication and more predictable oversight when productions come to town. While 63 per cent of respondents said they received advance notice about filming, nearly one-third said they did not. 

Some residents told the county social media notifications were not enough and requested direct flyers or delivered notices, particularly for seniors living close to filming locations. 

The report also signals possible future changes tied to the county’s upcoming noise bylaw overhaul. Staff noted filming rules currently reflect the existing noise bylaw and may need to change once the municipality adopts a new hybrid enforcement approach for noise complaints. 

County staff are also revamping the municipality’s film webpage to make it easier for residents to find notices, filming details and production information, while also creating a dedicated portal for film industry applications and inquiries. 

The report notes film production remains an important economic driver for the county despite broader industry uncertainty tied to artificial intelligence and potential U.S. tariff pressures on Canadian productions. 

Film activity in the County of Brant has stabilized in recent years following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood labour strikes. The county recorded four productions and 21 filming days in both 2024 and 2025. As of this month, one production had filmed in the county in 2026.