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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-021-14 If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102 C1ff_MSq011 Report Municipal Clerk's Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee Date: September 8, 2014 Resolution: o� - � By-law: Report: CLD-021-14 File: Subject: Filming Activities Within the Municipality Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: a) That Report CLD-021-14 be received; and b) That the amendments to the Clarington Special Events on Private Property By-law 2014-020, proposed in the by-law as Attachment 1 to Report CLD-021-14, be approved. Submitted b � � ,, ' Reviewed b _._ y. , y. /C.`Anrie Greentree, BA, CMO Franklin Wu, Municipal Clerk Chief Administrative Officer CAG/LDC Municipality of Clarington Report CLD-021-14 Page 2 Report Overview According to the Region of Durham Economic Development Staff, the opportunity for filming production events within the Region is growing. Earlier this year Staff investigated a situation involving a film production occurring within the Municipality. The investigation highlighted the need for a co-ordinated approach within the Municipality to film projects. The coordinated approach will allow us to maximize our economic development opportunities related to the filming industry while minimizing the impact on our community. Staff have reviewed the existing policies from several municipalities, and have met with the Executive Director of the Clarington Board of Trade, and are recommending an amendment to Clarington's Special Event on Private Property by-law to address these issues and better serve the public at large. Background 1. The use of Clarington properties for film projects has been growing in popularity. In late 2013, a film production company began scouting locations within the Municipality for a location to serve as the setting for a gothic horror film. Over the next few months work began, preparing sets and access roads for the production. 2. Issues which occurred during the filming raised concerns and highlighted the need for better, more co-ordinated communications between Staff, the film companies, the Regional Film Office and the public. Recognizing this need, Council passed Resolution #GPA-298-14, direction to prepare a Municipal by-law to deal with filming projects. Moving Forward 3. Staff have met with Eileen Kennedy, Economic Development Officer and Film Office Liaison for the Regional Municipality of Durham. As well, staff have met with Sheila Hall, Executive Director of the Clarington Board of Trade to discuss filming in Clarington from an Economic Development perspective. Staff have also consulted a number of municipalities which have film policies and regulatory by-laws. 4. One of the main elements of the discussion with the Region was the need for a coordinated approach to attracting filming opportunities within Durham Region. The Regional Film Office has already done a great deal of work to promote Durham as a preferred film location. By joining with them in their efforts, the Municipality would greatly increase its exposure to film location scouts and managers. This would lead to more opportunities for filming in Clarington and greater spin-off benefits for local vendors and suppliers. Municipality of Clarington Report CLD-019-14 Page 3 5. Rather than pass an entirely new by-law to deal with film projects, Staff recommends that the existing Special Events By-laws be modified. Staff believe that the regulations and notification requirements, currently found in By-law 2014-020 provide sufficient and appropriate protections for the Municipality and its residents. 6. Film projects are a form of special event. Some may be very small and only be an interior shot of a building lasting a few seconds, while others may take weeks or months, and involve major set construction or the building of temporary roads, streams or other features. The proposed by-law (Attachment 1) will establish the regulatory framework which will require permits for film projects, as well as a co- ordinated process for information collection, dissemination, and publication. 7. Recognizing that filming activities/opportunities within Clarington parallel any other economic leads, the Clarington Board of Trade will serve as the first point of contact for filming prospects. Once it is determined that Clarington is the filming place of choice, there shall be a designated staff person assigned (as determined by the Chief Administrative Officer) to assist the applicant in navigating the permitting process. Concurrence 8. This Report has been reviewed by Andrew Allison, Municipal Solicitor, Marie Marano, Director of Corporate Services, and Sheila Hall Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade who concur with the recommendations. Conclusion If the Municipality is to move forward to develop and encourage the film industry in Clarington, it will require clear, concise rules and procedures. These must be adaptable to various situations, protect the interest of our residents, and provide for an efficient process which promotes Clarington as a film-friendly community. It is therefore recommended that the proposed amendments be approved. Strategic Plan Application The recommendations contained in this Report conform to the Strategic Plan. Staff Contact: Len Creamer, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement, 905-623-3379 ex. 2110 or Icreamer @clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 - Amendment to By-law 2014-020 List of interested parties to be notified of Council's decision is on file in the Municipal Clerk's Department. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON BY-LAW 2014 - Being a by-law to amend By-law 2014-020 (Special Events on Private Property) WHEREAS on March 3, 2014, the Municipality passed By-law No. 2014-020 to regulate special events on private property; and WHEREAS Council deems it advisable to amend By-law 2014-020. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as follows: 1. The following definition is added Section 1.1 of By-law 2014-020: "filming"means filming, videotaping, photographing or any other type of video recording for a feature film, television film, television program, documentary, commercial, music video, educational film or other similar purpose, but does not include interviews, newscasts, press releases or visual recordings for personal purposes. 2. The definition of"special event" in Section 1.1 of By-law 2014-020 is amended by adding the words "and also includes filming events irrespective of the number of participants". 3. This by-law shall be effective on the date that it is passed. By-law passed this day of September, 2014. Adrian Foster, Mayor C. Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk