Filming in the SLRD

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District does not issue or require film permits for commercial film productions taking place within the SLRD, however we do work closely with production companies to ensure that all commercial filming taking place in the SLRD is in compliance with provincial legislation and our local bylaws, including the applicable zoning bylaw, the SLRD Building Bylaw and the applicable noise bylaw and that communities are informed of commercial filming taking place, and the potential implications of that work.

Filming in the SLRD considerations

  • While a Film Permit is not required to film in the SLRD, we require notification of projects taking place in our Electoral Areas. Please view the section below on Community Notification.
  • Will you be building any structures as part of your film project? Please review the section below on Building and Zoning.
  • Please review and understand the Noise Bylaws (links below) for the SLRD Electoral Area you’re filming in.
  • For filming on Crown Land, in Parks, on highways or Forest Service Roads or in a municipality in the SLRD; view Additional Information below.
     

Building and Zoning related to filming 

Commercial filming may require one of the following land use authorizations to be in place to support film production: 

  • existing zoning that authorizes film production; or

  • a Temporary Use Permit that authorizes film production. 

To speak to a representative from the SLRD’s Planning Department about what kind of land use authorization (if any) your filming project will require, please contact planning@slrd.bc.ca.

Does your production involve construction? Contact the SLRD's Building Department at bldgofficial@slrd.bc.ca to confirm if your project needs a building permit. Building permits are required for buildings over 10m2 and are intended for occupancy.

PLEASE NOTE: The SLRD recognizes that commercial film production schedules are time-sensitive and encourages all applicants to be proactive and submit building permit applications as early as possible.

More information about building requirements is contained within the SLRD’s Building Bylaw No. 1611-2020.

Noise Bylaws

Noise bylaws are in effect in SLRD Electoral Areas A, B, C and D and film productions are required to comply with the relevant noise bylaw. For more information, please see the applicable noise bylaw:

To speak to a representative from the SLRD’s Planning Department about SLRD noise bylaws, please contact planning@slrd.bc.ca.

Community Notification

To ensure that residents are aware of filming in their communities, we ask that film production companies provide a community notification letter that the SLRD will share on our website and Facebook page as a community notice.

Please email your PDF notification letter to info@slrd.bc.ca and include the following details:

  1. Name of the production company;

  2. Date(s) and time(s) of the production;

  3. Location(s) of the production (please be as specific as possible and or include a map noting the exact location);

  4. Whether there will be any road or traffic disruptions as a result of the production, and if so, how they will be handled and when they will occur;

  5. A description of the filming and production activities that might bring attention to the location (for example: atmospheric smoke, loud noises, aircraft or drone activities);

  6. Whether there would/could be any impact to neighbouring properties, and if so how the properties may be impacted; and 

  7. Contact name and details (phone number, email) of an on-site contact person to whom concerns from the public or neighbouring properties can be directed.

In addition, the SLRD asks that you provide relevant permits acquired from other government agencies.

Additional Information

Provincial Film Production Contacts

The provincial Commercial Film Tenure Program makes Crown land available for film production as well as still photography for commercial, educational and promotional purposes. Permission to use Crown land is obtained by application to the Province. Learn more here. Depending on the nature and location of the production, permits may be required by other agencies, including provincial ministries.

  • Should your production involve activities taking place on provincial roads, you should contact the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to find out what's required.
  • If you have questions regarding any aspect of the provincial application process, please contact FrontCounter BC. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate regional office based on your area of interest.

Municipal Film Production Contacts