The municipality of Chatham-Kent launching a one-year pilot project to explore attracting film production in a bid to boost the local economy.
During their November 6th meeting, council members approved a motion from Mayor Darrin Canniff to spend almost $135,000 to fund hiring someone for a year and give them a budget to explore and research the potential of the film/television/streaming industry sector in Chatham-Kent.
Canniff was enthusiastic about the potential of the film industry using Chatham-Kent as a location and backdrop for various productions. He notes it’s a $3 billion industry in Canada, but it’s focused on a few markets that are saturated.
Canniff said he wants the industry to be successful, and feels it will thrive, but it will require the proper effort and resources to get it done correctly.
A horror movie is currently being filmed at the former Kent County jail. Canniff said it’s a $1 million budget that employs a crew and cast of 50 people. He said other productions are lined up to film in Chatham-Kent in the near future.
“It’s a great opportunity to diversify our economy,” Canniff said.
Councillor Melissa Harrigan said it’s a positive investment.
“I think we’re going to have lots of difficult discussions about where our tax dollars go but perhaps this is an investment that gets us some good economic outcomes,” Harrigan said.
The person hired by the municipality will research the potential of economic spin-offs, and provide a progress report on relevant findings that demonstrate the feasibility or non-viability of filming in Chatham-Kent prior to funding for a second year is approved.
