Benefits
Bringing the film industry to Wasaga Beach
Ontario's film and television sector made a significant economic impact in 2022, contributing $3.15 billion to the economy, with the majority concentrated in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, including Hamilton.
This record-breaking year saw 419 productions, creating 45,891 full-time equivalent direct and spin-off jobs for Ontarians.
The industry's potential for local economic stimulation is exemplified by the second season of Netflix's "Umbrella Academy." Filmed in Ontario in 2019, it injected over $77 million into local spending, with 59% allocated to wages and salaries. This single production engaged 980 Ontario-based suppliers and generated 1,120 full-time equivalent jobs in the province.
Small Town Potential
Tracey and Tom Strnad, local filmmakers and leaders in the South Georgian Bay Media Association, have investigated the possibilities of expanding Ontario's thriving film industry to smaller towns. Their research highlights that the attributes attracting tourists to areas like Collingwood and The Blue Mountains also appeal to the film industry:
Quaint downtowns
Waterfront spaces
Niagara Escarpment
Ski hills
"The same reason people come visit a place is the same reason people will come to film in a place," Tom Strnad noted during a presentation of their study, "Attracting Film Productions to Small Town Ontario.
"While these areas have occasionally served as filming locations for notable productions like "The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996) and "Molly's Game" (2017), such instances remain exceptions rather than the norm. The research suggests untapped potential for small towns to benefit from Ontario's booming film and television industry and Wasaga Beach wants to be a part of this.