Emergency services
Our goal is to accommodate filming requests that involve Calgary’s emergency services. However, we must first consider whether filming will affect our ability to carry out our responsibilities to public safety and respond to critical incidents. Please review Calgary Police and Calgary Fire Department’s Filming Safety Guidelines prior to filming.
Calgary Police Service
Calgary Police Services may be required for filming activities including:
- Pay Duty Police Officers for filming involving traffic control (detours, road closures, intersection control).
- Note: provincially trained flaggers may be used for intermittent traffic control (ITC) on closed roadways between intersections.
- To provide lead and follow services while filming on live roadways (also known as a rolling-closure).
- A Prop Firearm Permit is required for any filming involving a weapon that could be seen or heard by the public (including holstered weapons).
Calgary Fire Department
Recognized as an industry leader with an impeccable reputation, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) consists of four platoons of firefighters located in 43 fire stations across the city.
The CFD must be informed of all filming activities in the city. A production’s assigned City Film Permit & Services Coordinator will introduce them to the CFD with an outline of the filming plans. If filming plans evolve or change, or if filming on private property, it is the production’s responsibility to keep the CFD informed.
The CFD will perform an inspection of filming sets including, but not limited to:
- All built sets
- Indoor filming
- Filming involving stunts and special effects (smoke/haze, pyrotechnics, etc.).
- Tents with an over 500-person occupant load.
- Equipment that may present a fire hazard (generators, lighting, etc.).
Use of special effects, weapons, explosives, pyrotechnics and stunts
Use of special effects, prop weapons, explosives, pyrotechnics and stunts require approval and presence of Calgary Police and/or Calgary Fire.
During the permitting process, you will be asked to provide a detailed plan of the special effect’s use and the safety precautions that will be used to protect the public, cast and crew.
Prop weapon guidelines and considerations
- A Film and Theatre Firearms Discharge Permit is required for all prop weapons and firearms (including holstered) that could be seen or heard by a member of the public. Please complete the application form and send it to your assigned Film Permits and Services Coordinator or film@calgary.ca.
- Please provide a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice to process a prop firearm permit.
- Armorers/gun wranglers must be able to provide a Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) and be familiar with Canadian laws regarding the storage, transportation and regulation of firearms.
- All restricted and/or prohibited weapons must have an “Authorization to Transport” permit issued by the Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC). The CFC can be contacted at 1-800-731-4000.
Public notifications
- When filming with loud special effects, gunfire, fireworks, etc., verbal and written notification must be provided to notify residents and/or businesses in the general vicinity. We may ask you to make these notifications before permits are issued.
Fees specifically related to Police services
All fees are subject to change and 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
| Position | Fee |
|---|---|
| Constable | $154.61 per hour |
| Sergeant | $179.95 per hour |
| Staff Sergeant | $195.56 per hour |
| Marked vehicle |
$40.00 per hour Maximum $480.00 per vehicle per day |
- A minimum of three weeks' notice is needed for Calgary Police services.
- A minimum three-hour charge per officer/vehicle applies.
- A three-hour charge per officer will apply if less than 24 hours’ cancellation notice is given.
- The City will determine which Police personnel are required to be involved in filming based on production needs.
More information on hiring Police personnel for filming activities or special events is available here. Please note that pay duty requests for filming activities should be made to our Film Friendly Team rather than directly to the Calgary Police Service.
Fees specifically related to Fire services
All fees are subject to change and 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
A one-hour minimum charge may apply.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Open flame | $159.00 per location |
| Pyrotechnics | $381.00 per location |
| Fireworks | $381.00 per location |
| Safety codes officer standby |
$120.00 per hour $231.00 per hour on nights and weekends with a two hour minimum |