
Commercial film and photography, and travel media
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
Fort Rodd Hill, a century-old coast artillery fort and Fisgard Lighthouse, the first permanent lighthouse on Canada’s Pacific rugged coast, are two national historic sites significant to Coastal BC and are known as some of Victoria’s recognizable icons. Located only 15 km west of Victoria, they offer a vast range of unparalleled film and photographic opportunities with a selection of authentic historic buildings and natural landscapes.
In the interest of protecting these sites’ cultural and ecological resources while ensuring visitors’ experiences are not impacted, these activities are subjected to certain restrictions and special considerations.
All commercial (i.e. TV and feature films, advertisements) and travel media (i.e. documentaries, tourism promotions) filming and photography at these national historic sites require a film or photography permit; while professional photography to capture special events (i.e. weddings, graduations, family portraits, etc.) are subject to specific guidelines.
To film or photograph at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS, an application must be submitted to Parks Canada four weeks prior to the start of a project. If approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued, which outlines conditions and supplementary requirements associated with the production.
Through the application process, Parks Canada can provide you with: details on park regulations, conditions and requirements—all film/photography activities must comply with National Park and National Historic Site regulations, policies and conditions; consultation and advice on film/photography opportunities and locations—all locations must be determined prior to a permit being issued; liaison with other National Parks or National Historic Sites—one application and Film/Photography Permit can cover multiple national parks and national historic sites.
Conditions and requirements
- Full compliance with National Park and National Historic Site Regulations.
- Be subject to environmental and cultural assessment.
- Acceptance of an indemnification clause and full responsibility for any incidents, and or cost of clean-up or site rehabilitation.
- Maintenance and clean-up of the site including the provision of garbage and human waste disposal.
- All aerial filming must comply with Canadian Air Regulations; the use of recreational UAV/Drones is not allowed and requires a Restricted Activity Permit in all other circumstances.
- Respectful and professional contact with the visiting public.
- Inclusion of a statement on the daily call sheet indicating respect for the national park or national historic site and other essential communications.
- Provide additional insurance naming “Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency”.
- Pay the film permit fee in full at least three business days prior to your film/photography project starting date.
The Application Process
- An application must be submitted to Parks Canada a minimum of 20 business days prior to intended
film/photography activities. - The application will be assessed against the following: potential impacts on the park’s resources;
contribution to park objectives; themes and messages; required level of assistance; consistency with
National Park and National Historic Site Regulations; and level of disturbance to other park users. - If the application is approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued which must be carried while
conducting activities in the national park or national historic site. - The permit becomes valid once: it is signed by the producer and Parks Canada (signature required two
weeks prior to the shooting date); the non-refundable application fee is paid when the application is submitted; the location fees are paid in full at least three business days prior to the film/photography project starts; and supplementary requirements and conditions are agreed to.
Fees and Payment
- Fees are applied to productions according to the Parks Canada fee structure.
- Additional surveillance requirements and/or overtime costs will be charged to the production
and are in excess of the fees indicated below. - Discounts may be available depending on content and client.
- GST is included in the fees below.
- Payments can be made by quoting a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express number, or by cheque payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
- Payments must be received prior to film/photography activities commencing in the National Parks or National Historic Sites. The non-refundable application fee is paid when the application is submitted and the location fees are paid in full at least three business days prior to the film/photography project starting.
2022 Commercial film and photography fees
Production crew size | Application fee (non-refundable) | Location fee (per day) |
1-6 | $160.00 | $532.25 |
7-15 | $399.25 | $1,064.75 |
16-30 | $798.50 | $1,596.75 |
31-99 | $2,661.75 | $2,129.25 |
100+ | $3,193.75 | $2,661.25 |
Possible additional costs:
Overnight Parking | $510.00 |
Overtime, hourly, beyond agreed-upon times Note: Cost of staff time, where the film project extends beyond the regular 7.5 hours of operation, will be in addition to the fee schedule listed above. |
|
$52.25 |
Apply now
All commercial filming and photography in the national historic sites require a film or photography permit.
Submit an application, a minimum of 20 business days prior to intended film/photography activities to :
Sophie Lauro, Promotions Officer
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, B.C. V9C 2W8
250-213-3190
sophie.lauro@pc.gc.ca
Applications are assessed against Canada's National Parks Act, and the national park and national historic sites regulations and guidelines, and contribution to awareness, appreciation and education of national parks and national historic sites. If approved, a Commercial Film/Photography permit is issued.
Note: Parks Canada imposes the right to refuse applications that are not in the best interest of the Agency or revoke permission if the terms and conditions of the permit are violated.
We will provide a draft agreement. Work together with the Parks Canada liaison to adjust the details of your agreement, based on your needs and our site’s visitor needs and regulations. A site visit may be required.
Obtain comprehensive liability insurance naming “Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency” as additional insured, indicating a combined limit of $2,000,000 per incident ($5 million/incident for larger productions), to be carried for the duration of the production on site.
At least three business days prior to your film date, supply:
- Proof of insurance
- Damage deposit of $1000 (refundable if no damage is incurred)
- Payment written to the Receiver General for Canada, or by credit card
- Signed agreement - your company must sign first, followed by the Parks Canada manager
Related links
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