The Municipality of Port Hope is launching a full review of its Filming Policy and permitting process to ensure it remains clear, fair, and effective.
With its historic downtown, heritage architecture, and proximity to the GTA, Port Hope has become a popular destination for film productions – most notably as the backdrop for major movies and television shows. But while filming brings economic benefits and community pride, it can also create challenges such as traffic disruptions, limited parking, and impacts on local businesses.
To strike the right balance, the municipality is conducting a Film Permitting Audit to assess its current process, benchmark against other Ontario “film-ready” communities, and develop recommendations to strengthen approvals and communication.
Officials say community input is vital. Residents are invited to share feedback through a public survey now available on the municipal website. The goal is to identify the types of disruptions that matter most, gather ideas to reduce inconvenience, and shape a policy that reflects local values while continuing to attract creative industry investment.
Survey results will inform recommendations presented to council. Port Hope officials say the ultimate aim is a process that keeps the community film-friendly while putting residents first.
Click here to take the survey now.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)