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Filming in Cambridge

Welcome to Cambridge, a hidden gem for filmmakers! 

Nestled close to Toronto, our city boasts a unique charm that has captivated directors, producers, and location managers alike. Cambridge is registered with Ontario Creates, which offers resources to help you select Ontario sites for your film projects. With its stunning natural landscapes, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful architecture, Cambridge offers the perfect backdrop for your next film or television project. Discover why Cambridge is the smart choice for your production needs.

Film Permits

All projects must complete a Production Information Sheet and comply with the City's Special Event Policy and the Regional Film By-law to ensure safety and consideration of the community.

If your project affects city streets, sidewalks, parking, or other municipal assets, please use the film permit portal at least 30 business days before you start filming. For projects involving road closures or hazardous activities like gunfire, vehicle stunts, or extreme special effects, a longer approval period may be needed.

The following additional permits may be required for your project:

  • Filming Event Permit (required if Transportation or Waterloo Regional Police are involved)
  • GRCA Access Permit (if filming on Grand River Conservation Authority lands)
  • Open Air Burning Permit (if fire effects are planned; forward to Fire Administrative Assistant upon completion)
  • Traffic Management Plan (if filming affects roads or sidewalks)
  • Safety Plan (for stunts, pyrotechnics, or special effects)

Once the form below is completed, our team will send you the relevant additional permits to complete (if required).

Start Here!

If you are interested in filming in Cambridge, please take a couple of minutes to complete the form below and get in touch with us! You can also access the form in your web browser here.

Interactive Story Mapping

Curious about which locations in Cambridge are used for filming? Take an interactive tour of the film projects that have taken place in our city! Whether you’re interested in all film projects or specifically in the critically acclaimed Handmaid’s Tale, we have maps for you.

Want to know more than just where something was filmed? Discover the unique history of the locations used to create fictional backdrops. Use our Handmaid's Tale Walking Tour to learn about Cambridge’s rich history and explore beyond Gilead.

FAQ

Curious about how your property can be considered for filming, or have concerns about film crews in your neighbourhood? We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive!

Ontario Creates, the provincial film commission, maintains an online resource of locations across Ontario. This digital library attracts foreign productions, showcases unique views and vistas in communities (including private properties), and serves as a location manager’s first stop when scouting for locations. By listing your property on this site, you can attract film projects and help bring productions to Cambridge. Visit the Ontario Creates website for more information about their digital library.

Subscribe to film notifications through our website to stay informed about all local filming projects and their potential impact on city travel.

If you have concerns about film crew activities in your neighbourhood, please contact our Economic Development staff at ecdev@cambridge.ca. Our team can verify project approvals and assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Celebrate! Share information about upcoming projects on social media using #cbridge and #film. The more residents and businesses are aware of a project, the smoother it will go.

Respect film crews’ space: Film locations are workplaces and should be treated as such. Outdoor filming is one of the safest activities in this industry, and we all need to contribute to maintaining a healthy environment

Filming Notifications

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