1.0 Purpose

To outline Granville Island policy and procedure on filming at various locations on Granville Island.

2.0 Policy

Contracts for the commercial shooting of films, video tapes, still photography, etc., on the Island are subject to approval of the Granville Island Office. 

Granville Island may not be identified without special permission. All commercial filming requests shall be reviewed to assure that usage will not be abusive of the Island or of the purposes of the Island. Such review may include story boards, scripts, interviews with Producers/Directors/Location Scouts, or on-site monitoring.

Professional photographers may not film, sell or have available on secondary sites, images of identifiable Granville Island landmarks, art (public or private) or goods without special permission from Granville Island, artists, makers and manufacturers.  

In addition to a daily location shooting, film companies shall be charged for all out-of-pocket expenses which may be incurred as result of the shoot: staff-time, supplies, electricity, clean-up, security, revenue loss, etc. A security damage deposit is required.

Cheques in all instances, shall be payable to Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation and drawn on a Canadian bank.

All vehicles required by the crew must be parked in authorized areas and associated parking fees must be paid in advance. All fees including damage and security deposits must be collected prior to shooting.

All film companies must present evidence of insurance coverage, Personal Liability and Property Damage, at limits not less than ten (10) million dollars for feature films and two (2) to five (5) million dollars for smaller indigenous feature films, documentaries, and student projects.

Fees for commercial use (Motion Picture / Television / Videotape Shoot) of Granville Island are set based on the size of the production and parking requirements.

Granville Island supports non-commercial filming, student reels and non-commercial documentaries where possible. Please provide a letter of introduction to qualify for non-profit rates.

(B) Still Photography

Full-day: Starts at $500.00 + G.S.T. Professional photographers may not film, sell or have available on secondary sites, images of identifiable Granville Island landmarks, art (public or private) or goods without special permission from Granville Island, artists, makers and manufacturers. Images appearing on unauthorized sites may be asked to be removed.

Granville Island supports student photography where possible. Please provide a letter of introduction to qualify as a non-profit or student project.  

Non-professional/amateur photography may still require a permit to film on Granville Island. Even without a fee, a letter may be required to approve any photography using professional equipment.

Tripods may not be used in an area that it may cause a tripping hazard, this includes the Public Market, busy thoroughfares, docks and boardwalks.  At no time may pedestrian, bike or vehicle traffic be blocked or require a detour due to photography or filming.  

Special fee rates may be negotiated and approved only by the Granville Island Film liaison (Cate Simpson csimpson@cmhc.ca, 604-719-8953;  or Manager, Public Affairs & Programming and / or the GM, Granville Island.

In filming individual tenants’ stalls / shops, or traffic areas near such stalls or shops, permission from each tenant must be obtained and separate agreements negotiated with each. Filming must not in any way interfere with business, or traffic on the Island, or the public’s enjoyment of the Island.