Two rural roads in north Pickering will be subject to intermittent soft closures through early October as filming activity takes place in the area.
The Pickering filming closures affect sections of Sideline 26 and Sideline 28 north of Concession Road 7. The City of Pickering says the restrictions are connected to a film production and will only be activated on select filming days, as well as on some preparation or wrap days if weather affects the production schedule.
The city’s notice began Friday, Aug. 21 at 7 a.m. and runs until Friday, Oct. 9 at 11 p.m. The roads are not expected to remain continuously closed throughout that entire period.
Which Pickering roads are affected?
The first soft closure covers Sideline 26 between Concession Road 7 and 3660 Sideline 26.
A second closure applies to Sideline 28 between Concession Road 7 and 3825 Sideline 28.
The City of Pickering describes both restrictions as soft closures. Drivers who regularly travel through north Pickering should therefore be prepared for temporary changes and possible delays when production activity is underway.
The city has not publicly identified the movie, television series or other production using the locations.
Closures will only happen on select days
The Pickering filming closures are scheduled within a window running from Aug. 21 through Oct. 9, but the city stresses that closures will only be active on select filming days.
The notice also allows for closures during preparation and wrap activity on days when inclement weather changes the production schedule.
Because the exact filming dates have not been made public, residents and motorists may want to monitor the City of Pickering’s service-disruption notices before travelling through the area.
The city lists its service disruption line at 1-866-278-9993 for people with concerns about interruptions.
Pickering is a frequent filming location
Pickering has developed a significant film-production presence because of its mix of urban, industrial and rural locations and its proximity to Toronto.
The city says it is less than 40 kilometres from downtown Toronto, is within the GTA’s ACTRA Zone 1 and offers rural and countryside roads that can be used by productions. Pickering also promotes itself as home to Canada’s largest filming backlot and TriBro’s Sandy Beach Studio.
The Pickering Film Office coordinates municipal permits for productions, including permits involving road occupancy, temporary closures or lane restrictions.
Drivers should watch for changing conditions
Residents using Sideline 26 or Sideline 28 should not assume the roads will be closed every day through Oct. 9.
Instead, the restrictions are expected to appear when filming, preparation or wrap activity requires them.
Motorists should follow posted signs and directions from traffic-control personnel when a closure is active. Anyone who needs to reach a property inside the affected area may also want to confirm access arrangements before travelling.
The Pickering filming closures are currently scheduled to end by 11 p.m. on Oct. 9, although filming schedules can change.
The City of Pickering has not announced the name of the production or provided a public calendar of the specific closure dates.
