Port Perry film locations are drawing a growing number of movie, television and commercial productions to Scugog, with the township reporting about seven productions a year.
The community’s combination of a Lake Scugog waterfront, rolling farmland and late Victorian-era downtown gives location managers several distinct settings within a small area.
DurhamRegion.com reports that Port Perry has appeared in productions including Reacher, American Gods, The Way Home, The Handmaid’s Tale, Thanksgiving and Welcome to Mooseport.
Production activity grows
Scugog established its film office in 2016, when it handled an average of one or two productions a year. The township now receives roughly 15 inquiries and hosts about seven productions annually.
Film liaison Lori Bowers said production activity generated about $415,000 in direct local spending in 2025. That figure included township fees and compensation paid to affected businesses, but did not include indirect spending on fuel, supplies, meals or accommodation.
Frequently used locations include downtown Port Perry, the old grain elevator, Palmer Park’s waterfront and gazebo, heritage homes on Cochrane Street, Old Flame Brewing Co., Town Hall 1873, Haugen’s and the Piano Inn and Café.
The Piano Inn and Café has been used in 74 productions, according to owner Christy Stone-Curry. She said the long-term promotional value can matter more than the immediate filming fee because fans later visit locations connected with performers and shows.
New policy balances filming and business
Scugog recently introduced a film policy intended to protect downtown businesses while keeping the municipality attractive to productions. It limits filming to five consecutive days and bars production during peak periods, including December and Thursdays or Fridays before a long weekend.
The policy also establishes a $500 daily fee payable to the Port Perry BIA for on-street production activity in the business area. Local businesses can negotiate compensation with production companies when filming affects their operations.
