By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver is seeking public input towards its draft Filming Policy which aims to balance economic benefits with community concerns.
In presenting the draft policy to Council on June 8, Rochelle Lougheed, Corporate Officer for the town noted that the aim is to develop a policy that “establishes clear requirements for filming activities within the Town of Oliver while balancing economic opportunities with community impacts.”
Oliver had its most recent brush with stardom during the film production in the summer of 2025 when “Tracker” Season 3, Episode 4 was filmed in Town and the surrounding area. Town staff made arrangements to have the episode screened at the Venables Theatre, after the segment was streamed.
Community members participating in the recent public information session around the official community plan (OCP) were also invited to provide feedback on that experience and the draft policy.
Loughheed noted that while much of the feedback received from the public and local businesses was positive, negative comments brought forward highlighted the need for “clearer expectations, improved communication with affected residents and businesses, and a more consistent approach to managing filming activities.”
In brief, the policy requires companies to submit an application at least 8-12 business days in advance; production companies must have a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance covering the town and; the companies must notify affected residents and businesses (within a two-block radius) through a “Resident Letter” including key details such as filming dates, activities, contact information and potential impacts.
The policy outlines expectations to minimize disruption, including noise traffic and requirements for use of Town facilities. Cost recovery and compensation fees related to filming will be charged in accordance with the Town’s bylaws. Production companies responsible for damages, additional services, and non-compliance costs.
Just prior to the vote on adoption, Councillor Aimee Grice raised the question as to whether filming in the town of Oliver was something that Council wanted to “actively promote, or do we want to just regulate the impacts,” adding that it’s not a question that needed to be answered today, but rather something to ponder going forward, “food for thought,” she offered.
In response Councillor Dave Mattes made a vague reference to the role of someone within the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS).
Mattes may have been referring to Jon Summerland who serves as the Film Commissioner, responsible for attracting, facilitating, and promoting film and media production throughout the region.
Aside from some minor wording issues Council approved the draft and will now be open for public comment until July 10.
Residents, businesses and community members are invited to provide feedback with the draft policy available for viewing at oliver.ca/filmpolicy and a questionnaire is available at ow.ly/JqoE50ZeoYB.
