Filming in Ottawa

When to apply

You need to apply for a film permit:

• If your filming event takes place on City property. Which could mean a street, pathway, facility or any other indoor or outdoor space that’s owned, leased or under the control of the City of Ottawa;
• If your filming event includes the usage of a replica weapon, replica emergency vehicle or uniforms and is in view of or audible to the public regardless of who owns the property;
• If your filming event requires the coordination of City resources which includes personnel, equipment and/or other municipal by-law approvals; 
• For each new filming event or location.

What you need to apply

For each individual filming event or filming location that falls under the jurisdiction of the By-law you will need to:

• Fill out and sign a film application and provide details on the filming event at least five (5) business days before the earliest element required. If you are requesting parking the day before filming starts, the completed application must be submitted no later than five (5) days in advance of the parking request.
• Provide a certificate of comprehensive/commercial general liability insurance that lists the City of Ottawa as the certificate holder, as well as additionally insured for the amount of 2 million dollars general liability.
• Ensure that each separate location being requested has a corresponding additional location request form.
• Additional information may be required on a case by case basis depending on the film event. Additional documentation may include: notice to residents and businesses, map of parking area request, traffic control plan for road closure, site plan, emergency plan, or fireworks plan.

Applications submitted that are incomplete will not be evaluated until all necessary components are present.

If you are unclear on any of the above information or it’s your first time submitting a film permit application, please contact Event Central by email at film@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2424 ext. 38368 and we will walk you through the application process.

Application timelines

Please note that certain filming activities may take longer than five (5) business days to approve and often require additional documentation. Please refer to the additional elements below to learn which film activities may require additional processing time.

For all applications submitted less than five (5) business days in advance of the film event a late fee will be applied.

Up to ten (10) business days if the film event includes:

• Firearms, guns, replica weapons
• Road closures
• Transit detours
• Paid duty officers
• Emergency personnel and/or equipment
• Artefact movement

Up to fourteen (14) business days if the film event includes:

• Open air fire permit

Up to twenty (20) business days if the film event includes:

• Noise exemption

Up to twenty-two (22) business days if the film event includes: 

• Pyrotechnics or fireworks