Filming in Hamilton

Film Permit Process

Contact Us

Hamilton Film Office
Call 905-546-4233
Email [email protected]

There are three steps to obtaining a film permit, outlined below. Please contact us as early in the planning process as possible and vet locations through the film office before committing. Permit applications are due at least 3 business days prior to the proposed filming date(s); applications for a road closure are due at least 10 business days in advance. Prior to submitting your application, review:

Special effects & dangerous Filming activities
Temporary road closure permits
Film shoot parking

Staff will review the permit application and contact you if there are any questions or changes required.

Submit a Production Information Sheet(PDF, 211.43 KB), signed Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew(PDF, 198.73 KB) and certificate of insurance to the Film Office by emailing [email protected].

Insurance requirements:

Certificate Holder named as: City of Hamilton, Attn: Film Office, Creative Industries, Tourism and Culture Division, 28 James St. N., Hamilton, ON L8R 2K1
City of Hamilton listed as additional insured
Third party liability insurance – minimum $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate
Name of the production company must match the name listed on the Production Information Sheet

Submit a Film Permit Application(PDF, 605.83 KB) and Notification Letter Template(File, 28.84 KB) to the Film Office at [email protected]. Please review the entire permit application process including the film shoot parking information before submitting. Staff will review the application and contact you if there are any questions or changes required.

Health & Safety

NEW: Productions must plan for health and safety considerations at each location, and follow the Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry as well as the Ontario Section 21 Health and Safety Committee COVID-19 Guidance Document.

Road Closures

If filming will include a road closure, a temporary road closure application will need to be submitted at least ten business days before the date of the closure. For more information and to download the application form, review the Temporary Road Closure Permit for Filming section below.

Filming with Special Effects

If filming will include any special effects (e.g. pyrotechnics, fireworks, guns), you will need approval from the Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton Fire Department. For more information and to download application forms, review the Special Effects and Dangerous Filming Activities section below.

Notifying residents, occupants, and businesses

Notification must be provided to all affected residents, occupants, and businesses at least 5 days before filming.

NEW: Productions must use the Film Office’s new letter of notification template and submit the notification letter for review by staff prior to distribution.

Productions will be required to obtain neighbourhood consent if filming will be taking place outside of the hours of 7 am to 11 pm, in a neighbourhood that has had three of more instances of filming in a calendar year, or in areas deemed sensitive for other reasons (at the Film Office’s discretion).

NEW: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process for canvassing residents has been updated to limit the physical interactions between film crews and residents as much as possible. Productions will no longer collect signatures door-to-door and instead will deliver a release form indicating their filming plans. Residents will be invited to call or email with any questions or objections. If the majority of residents do not object, the film permit will be issued. Productions must use the revised neighbourhood canvassing template below and contact the Film Office for a map of affected residents and businesses.

Notification templates are available:

Staff will notify you when your permit has been approved and ready for payment.

NEW: The Hamilton Film Office has moved to a contactless permitting process. Permits and associated fees must be paid by credit card over the phone 905-546-4233. Staff will email a detailed invoice and receipt along with the approved permit.

Special Effects & Dangerous Filming Activities

Temporary Road Closure Permits

Film Production Parking

The Film Office, Hamilton Police Services and/or the Hamilton Fire Department must be notified and approve of filming of dangerous activities in Hamilton. Follow the instructions below to properly notify the appropriate group about your specific activity.

IMPORTANT: Note the notification times required for staff to review and approve each activity. Notification times are 10 full business days for open flame effects or 5 full business days for other SPFX requests. Please plan accordingly. Applications submitted without the proper notification time will not be considered.

For film activity using guns, gun-fire, pyrotechnics, squibs, bomb mock-ups

At least 5 full business days before filming, submit your completed request form by email to [email protected] and [email protected] to provide notification and information about the film activity. In some cases, a representative from the Hamilton Polices Services may contact the FX Location Representative to request additional details.

Firearms and Gunfire form(PDF, 157.98 KB)
SPFX Pyrotechnics, Gunfire and Squibs form(PDF, 139.53 KB)
SPFX Squibs only form(PDF, 97.71 KB)
Request a Paid Duty Officer at least 48 hours before the start of filming.
- Each application is reviewed by a senior officer prior to approval. Please clearly state that the anticipated duties for the attending Paid Duty Officer relate to dangerous filming activities.
- Paid Duty must be coordinated by Hamilton Police Services. Private paid duty services are not permitted.
- Fees: Paid Duty fees are based on the length of paid duty, number of officers and equipment required to service your request. Payment of fees is due to Hamilton Police Services upon completion of the paid duty.

For film activity using display fireworks, flame effects, pyrotechnics:

Submit a completed information package for review to the Hamilton Fire Department Fire Prevention Services by email to fire.preven[email protected] and [email protected] to request approval for the anticipated activity. The review process is a paid service. Payment must be received before staff review the application. Contact [email protected] or 905-546-2424 ext 1380 to arrange payment.
Information packages must be submitted 10 full business days before filming open flame effects or 5 business days for all other requests
Refer to the below information sheets for information package requirements
Request a paid standby fire truck and crew at least 10 full business days before filming. Non-emergency stand-by service must be provided by the Hamilton Fire Department. Private or out-of-town services are not permitted.
- Please provide a detailed location map to determine the response area and type of crew that will be required.
- Please provide the start and end time for the paid standby fire truck and crew so that the Hamilton Fire Department can provide a cost estimate to be approved in advance by the film production.
- Fees: Total amount be invoiced after the event and will include the cost of Non-Emergency Standby for events and Full Cost Recovery for Crew. Payment of fees is due to the Hamilton Fire Department after filming. For more information about fees related to non-emergency stand-by, please visit Fire Permits, Inspections, Reports and Services.

Information Sheets for Information Package Requirements

Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Display Fireworks Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Display Fireworks within the City of Hamilton.

The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Display Fireworks Information Packages:

Fireworks Supervisor’s name, address, contact numbers and Level of ERD certification
ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
List of all devices being used OR written confirmation that all devices being used are on the List of Authorized Explosives as issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada. Note: HFD reserves the right to request a detailed list of devices, if deemed necessary.
Indication of High-level, Low-level and/or Ground-level fireworks being used
Date of show or event
Location of show or event Note: if the event is being fired from an unconventional site (barge, bridge, flatbed or rooftop) obtain written permission from the Explosives Regulatory Division prior to submitting the Display Fireworks Information Package to this Department.
Comprehensive site plan (see appendix “A” attached)
Safety Equipment (3A-60BC or 10 litre pressurized water Fire extinguishers, first aid kit).
Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices and spectators, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
Proof of Insurance - Insurer’s name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min. $5,000,000)
Traffic control plans ( if needed)
Emergency response procedures
Hamilton Police Service approval if event requires road closures/traffic diversion
Crowd control measures (if needed)
Site cleanup process after the display
Letter of consent from building or property owner

Test Firing

In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.

Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions of Display Fireworks devices are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.

For additional information or clarification call 905-546-2424 ext. 1380.

Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Pyrotechnics Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Pyrotechnics within the City of Hamilton.

Pyrotechnician’s name, address, contact numbers and class of ERD certification
ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
List of all devices being used (as listed in the list of Authorized Explosives issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of the Natural Resources Canada)
Date of show or event
Location of show or event
Comprehensive site plan (see appendix “A” attached)
Fire extinguishers – at least 2 required with a minimum rating of 3A-60BC (one of the two can be a 10 litre pressurized water unit). Extinguishers must be located within 15 metres of the pyrotechnics special effects. Note: The above 2 fire extinguishers are in addition to those already at the location.
Description of devices being used
Cueing/firing sequence of devices
Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
Proof of Insurance - Insurer’s name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min.$5,000,000)
Traffic control plans ( if needed)
Emergency response procedures
Police approval if display/event requires road closures or traffic diversion
Crowd control measures (if needed)
Site cleanup process after the display
Letter of consent from building or property owner

Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame breathing dragon etc.) contact Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices. TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.

For effects that involve the use of “blank gunfire & squibs: etc. contact the Hamilton Police Services – ERU branch and obtain their approval for the use of the devices. ERU can be contacted at 905-546-4886 or 905-546-4758.

Hamilton Fire Department requires a detailed and comprehensive site plan to be included with all Submissions for any SPFX / Fireworks Information Packages.

The following is a list of information that is required to be included on Site Plans that are submitted as part of an Information Package:

Address of site
Name of facility/site
Location and direction of firing areas
All relevant distances (clearance to spectators, roadways, buildings, fall out zones)
Note: adequate clearances and fallout zones (as applicable) shall be indicated to allow for adjustments for wind speed and direction on the day of the display
Prevailing wind direction
Adjacent buildings, structures
Ground cover (trees, field, paved area, etc.)
Access roads
Position of ramps and mortars
Parking areas
Location of emergency vehicles
North arrow
Staff or Spectator viewing areas

Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Flame Effects Plan Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of flame effects or acts within the City of Hamilton.
The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Flame Effects Plan Information Packages:

Location of production, show or event
Date and time of production, show or event
Name of Person, group or organization responsible for the production
Flame Effect Classification (Group I through VII), all that apply
Company name
Sponsoring Organization and address
Comprehensive site plan includes:
- A narrative description of the flame effect
- The location of flame effect devices to be fired and their controls and sequence
- The area affected by the flame effect device
- The location of the audience
- The fuels used and their estimated consumption
- Air for combustion and ventilation for indoor effects
- Flammable material piping
- Storage and holding areas and their capacities
- Supplemental fire protection features (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting, and emergency shutdown method)
- Emergency response procedures
- Means of egress
A current material safety data sheet (MSDA) for the materials (fuels) consumed in the flame effect.
Documentation that the combustible materials used for the construction of the flame effects have been rendered flame retardant
Name of the effect operator
Letter of consent from building or property owner
Proof of Insurance – Insurer name, policy #, amount of liability coverage ($5,000,000 min.)
Disconnection of smoke detectors etc. and alternate plans if necessary
Traffic control plans (if applicable)
Hamilton Police approval if necessary (road closures)
Notify TSSA (fax) re: propane use

Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame breathing dragon etc.) contact Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices. TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.

Test Firing

In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.

Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions/modifications of flame effects are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.

For additional information or clarification call 905-546-2424 ext. 1380.

Film activity that includes first responder uniforms, prop cruisers, prop emergency vehicles

Contact the Paid Duty Office at least 48 hours before the start of filming.
Based on the specifics of the shoot, the Paid Duty Office will advise whether support is required and notify emergency dispatchers in case of any calls from the community.

You must have a permit if your filming will interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

You will need a Temporary Road Closure Permit if:

you will be using a full roadway
one full direction of traffic will be blocked for more than three to five minutes

Apply for a temporary road closure permit

To apply for a temporary road closure permit, you will need to submit the following by fax to 905-540-5926:

a completed temporary full road closure permit application at least two weeks before the date of your road closure
a detailed plan of the road closure which should include the location of:
- applicant-installed signing
- barricading
- coning
- traffic control persons (who must be Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 trained and qualified. If you do not have a traffic control person you must hire Paid Duty Officers to help with the road closure.

For general inquiries on temporary road closure permits for filming call 905-546-2424 ext. 4577 or email [email protected]

What you need to do after your permit has been approved

Once your permit is approved, you will be given a Delegated Authority Letter or DAL. This is your permit for the road closure. This letter is also emailed to provide notice to the Ward Councillor, Parking, Transit, Hamilton Police, EMS, and Ambulance Dispatch.

You must now:

Pay the 2022 permit fee of $721.24.
- This fee covers the administration of the road closure. It does not include the cost for advance warning boards or detour signs. If you require warning boards or detour signs, you will be billed separately after the road closure.
Provide proof of $2,000,000 public liability insurance
- Name the City of Hamilton as an added insured party with a provision for cross liability, and holding the City of Hamilton harmless from all actions, causes of action, interests, claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses and loss.
Notify all property owners and tenants along the closed portion of the road.
- The letter must be reviewed by City staff before it is distributed and must include a 24 hour contact name and phone number.

Traffic rules for filming vehicles and traffic stoppage

Production vehicles must follow traffic regulations unless permission has been granted along with your permit.
If you do not have a road closure, all moving vehicles must follow the posted speed limits and other traffic regulations unless directed otherwise by a Paid Duty Officer.
Intermittent traffic stoppages cannot be more than three to five minutes, unless otherwise approved by the film office and must be supervised by a Paid Duty Officer.
All trucks must use the City’s Truck Routes.

It is your responsibility to arrange and pay for Paid Duty Police Officers and City staff to cover, alter, remove or reinstall traffic or street signs.

Production companies are encouraged to maximize parking in private lots before requesting street parking. Contact the Film Office if you need assistance sourcing off-street parking.

We do not permit parking in No Stopping or No Parking zones.
Production vehicles must not block: fire hydrants, bus stops, pedestrian crossovers, signalized intersections, driveways, accesses, egresses and ingresses, ramps, parking lot entrances, or accessible parking for persons with disabilities.
Production vehicles must not park in fire routes or within 9 m of an intersecting street or impede any emergency response vehicle.
Any exceptions must be approved by the property owner or be identified when applying for your permit.
If you require parking within a Business Improvement Area, parking will be coordinated with the BIA, Hamilton Film Office, and Hamilton Municipal Parking System. Parking of base camp or technical trucks on main commercial streets is prohibited.
To request permission to enter a municipal parking lot, please contact the Film Office with the street address and lot number (if known), number of stalls needed, and the dates and times being requested. Municipal lots must be restored to their original condition after filming, including clean-up of any garbage or debris.

Date modified

December 01, 2022