Streets, sidewalks and parking
Calgary is home to an extensive, well-maintained mobility network for all who walk, wheel, drive or ride. Permits are needed to restrict parking or film on infrastructure including Calgary streets, sidewalks, alleys, vehicle overpasses or cycle tracks.
Going hand in hand with the mobility network is Calgary Parking, offering more than 2.5 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including 30 surface lots and seven parkades featuring a diverse mix of artistic and architectural styles.
Our Film Friendly Team will help coordinate any street closures and provide logistical support including parking lot permits, parking codes and reserved areas in parking facilities.
* Please note that 10 days’ notice is needed for City-owned parkades and surface lots. All other services on this page including street and sidewalk closures require five days’ lead time.
Street closure guidelines and considerations
- Major roads cannot be closed during peak traffic times (generally weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
- Downtown core streets (from the Bow River to 12th Ave South, and 6th St East to 11th St West) cannot be closed weekdays or parked on during peak traffic times. Downtown street restrictions are posted on street signs and can be identified on this map.
- Exceptions may be considered if alternate routes are available, public transit is not disrupted and if access to nearby homes and businesses is maintained.
- Lane closures may be approved if traffic congestion can be safely managed.
- Calgary Police Services (CPS) may be required for traffic control if filming affects traffic.
- CPS will decide if officers are needed before a permit is issued.
- The applicant must pay for all services.
- At least two weeks’ notice is required to arrange CPS support.
Road closures enabled The Last of Us to film throughout the city. Photo credit: Mohammad Qazzaz
Once your permit has been received
- A copy of your permit must always be available on location.
- Streets and sidewalks are essential public spaces. If permit conditions of use are not followed, the permit may be canceled and filming may be suspended.
Parking:
- All vehicles must display their parking permit in the driver’s side window, facing the roadway.
- Do not block, or park within 5 meters of, fire hydrants, driveways and bus zones.
- When using a parkade or surface lot, do not block parking access or loiter in the aisles and roadways.
- If a vehicle needs to be towed from a signed restricted parking area, please call Calgary Parking at 403-537-7000 (option 3).
Public Notice:
- Place ‘Notice of Filming’ signs in the area to notify citizens of the filming activities.
- At least 2 business days in advance of the start of the permit, please deliver a Filming in the Neighbourhood Letter to nearby residents and businesses.
Fees relating to streets, sidewalks and parking
All fees are subject to change and 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| Use of street or sidewalk | $30.00 per day |
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Parking rates vary based on production requirements |
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If a street is temporarily closed and parking is restricted |
Fees start at $27.00 per day |
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If production vehicles need to park or if production is taking place on-street, in parkades or at surface lots |
Parking rates vary based on area. Please contact the Film Friendly Team for costs. |
| Traffic control planning and coordination |
$150.00 and up Productions may choose to rent and manage their own ‘no parking at any time’ (NPAT) signage. You may also ask us to produce and provide NPAT signage for the production at a cost of $345.00 and up. |
| Large detours | $585.00 and up |
Police (for traffic control)
All fees are subject to change and 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- 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.
- Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for review and processing.
- The City will determine which Police personnel are required to be involved in filming based on production needs. Fees vary as follows:
| 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 |