City of Toronto installs power hubs for film crews at 2 popular locations on trial basis

City of Toronto officials have announced the installation of power drop hubs at two popular filming locations as part of a pilot project aimed at stopping the reliance on heavy-duty diesel electric generators and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

During an announcement Tuesday afternoon, they showcased a power drop station at the Ashbridges Bay parking lot on Lake Shore Boulevard East. It’s the first hub location and the second location will be at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park beside Sunnyside Beach on Lake Shore Boulevard West.

The electrical connections for film and television production crews are contained in fixed stations and provide plug-in access to the power grid.

John Rakich, a film location manager and a representative with the Directors Guild of Canada Ontario, said this is the first time this type of infrastructure for production has been built in the country. He said it’s responding to needs expressed by production companies and incorporates more sustainability into the industry.

“For this important industry to continue to be welcomed by Torontonians as a whole as it has been so far, we need to take steps to minimize the impact of production day to day on neighbourhoods and businesses,” he said.

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“These power drops [help] to do that by minimizing noise, any odour and reducing environmental impact. What helps our neighbours helps the industry…”

By having power drop stations, municipal officials said diesel generators won’t be needed at these locations. They said for film usage alone, Toronto Atmospheric Fund data showed there could be up to 400 tonnes less greenhouse gas emissions a year (the equivalent of the annual energy usage of 45 homes).

Officials said in a statement the two locations were chosen based on a review of film permit data and areas where Toronto Hydro had access to “sufficient-available grid power and which would be most viable financially and logistically.”

Even though the stations are meant for film and television production crews, City of Toronto staff it could be expanded for use during local special events, food trucks and other users.

The pilot project, funded by the municipality, stemmed from a request by the Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board. Officials said the initiative fits with the City of Toronto’s net-zero climate action strategy, a plan that would reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2040.