The City of Maple Ridge has joined Toronto and Vancouver as the three cities in Canada that have a film kiosk, where production crews can power their operations.
The new electrified film kiosk installation was unveiled on Thursday night, Dec. 5, at the railway lot just off the Haney Bypass. City officials held a social event with industry professionals to mark the occasion. They talked about how the kiosk will replace diesel generators at film sites in Maple Ridge, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. They also offered humble brags about how the city is becoming an increasingly popular location for movies of the week and a variety of other productions.
Draeven McGowan, the city economic development department's film coordinator, explained that a film production brings a number of trailers that house talent and carry filming equipment, and they set up in a staging area known as a "circus" in the industry. The new 800 amp kiosk can power two circuses at the railway lot, and power up rechargeable gear used at shooting locations.
The kiosk will eliminate an estimated 234 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and replace 86,800 litres of diesel fuel that would be used by generators at film circuses, the city estimates.
"It's a really cool initiative to be part of, and this is our celebration and kickoff," said McGowan.
The past year saw Maple Ridge serve as the site for 98 productions and 419 "shoot days," bringing an economic impact of an estimated $8.4 million, the audience heard.
And it's growing – that's a 26 per cent increase from 2022. Comparisons are not made to 2023, because industry job action interrupted film production.
"Maple Ridge has been a regional leader in film production this year, and this new kiosk helps us build on that success in a sustainable way," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing efficient power infrastructure, we’re positioning Maple Ridge as a premier destination for the film industry."
The kiosk was funded in partnership with BC Hydro and a Reel Green grant, and cost $330,000 to plan and install. It is expected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in fuel costs, and film productions will be charged a flat rate for use.
"Our goal is to leverage resources like this to attract more film assets like studios, visual effects companies, and post-production facilities to Maple Ridge, creating a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for creative professionals," said Tyler Westover, economic development director.
McGowan noted that Maple Ridge is home to 2,000 people who work in the film industry.
"We're a really big champion for the film industry, and looking for more filming to happen in Maple Ridge," he explained. "It's a really big industry, that we want to support."
Justin Barnes of Reel Green at Creative BC said these kiosks should pay for themselves with fees paid by the industry, and he praised Maple Ridge's leadership.
"My organization is trying to encourage this kind of thing for Surrey, Langley and all the other municipalities," he said.
For more information about filming in Maple Ridge, see the city website at mapleridge.ca
