City is open for filming and offers Film Story Map to attract film companies

RICHMOND HILL – With unique locations such as the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) and the Fire and Emergency Services Fire Training Tower, Richmond Hill is a popular choice for a wide range of film, television and advertising production. The city’s location, close to Toronto, Lester B. Pearson Airport and 400-series highways also make filming in Richmond Hill an easy choice.

In 2019, Richmond Hill issued 26 film permits generating over $180,000 in direct revenue and additional spending in the community. Permits can range in size, from the popular Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, which filmed Season 2 scenes at the DDO Administration Building after filming season 1 at the DDO and Richmond Hill Pro Bowl, to smaller scale filming like the Swiss Chalet commercial filmed at the Richmond Green Skate Trail in 2019.

To showcase these and other film-worthy locations in Richmond Hill, the City has developed an online Film Story Map that highlights unique film locations as well as previous productions that have filmed in the city. The interactive online application includes:

• All previous filming events in Richmond Hill, with photos when available
• A comprehensive list of unique locations available for filming, including buildings, natural spaces and crew break facilities
• Incentives for film companies available through Ontario Creates
• Testimonials from film directors
• The ability for businesses and residents to share their Richmond Hill location as a potential film location, to be discoverable by film production companies

Residents can check the Film Story Map to see what’s been filmed at City properties or private properties in their own neighbourhood.

Richmond Hill is once again accepting film permit applications after a hiatus for public and staff safety due to COVID-19. Visit RichmondHill.ca/Film to learn more or apply.

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Local productions generate excitement and pride, and also help spur on our local economy. It’s interesting when you see crews filming and fun to recognize a community landmark on TV! With our wide range of unique buildings and outdoor spaces, Richmond Hill is a film-friendly city ready to host productions, large and small.    

- Mayor Dave Barrow

Quick Facts

• Many recognizable productions have been filmed in Richmond Hill in recent years:
  • Netflix (The Umbrella Academy)
  • Amazon (American Gods, Dino Dana)
  • Hallmark Channel (Good Witch)
  • CBC (Baroness Von Sketch)
  • PBS (Odd Squad)
  • CTV (Where to I Do?)

• Filmmakers from Richmond Hill also make use of the range of diverse locations in the city, including:
  • Sean Cisterna (Kiss and Cry, Full Out, From the Vine)
  • Julian Filigno (Pulk, Vessel)
  • Alfio Foti (Mouthful, Alby Camus, Mine)
  • Shonna Foster (He Murdered Sleep)

Media Contact

Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor
libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca