qathet Regional District’s (qRD) board of directors has approved a $3,000 grant to Vancouver Island North Film Commission from its general grants-in-aid service.
At the May 26 regional board meeting, city director CaroleAnn Leishman said she wanted to encourage directors to approve this.
“It’s a first step in acknowledging that we want films in our region; films can be a huge economic driver,” said Leishman. “Perhaps, in the future, if the board considers it to be under economic development service or something different, fine.
“The City of Powell River is already doing a lot of in-kind staffing and support for crews, and road closures, and all kinds of stuff when films come to town. The city is working on a policy for streamlining for film crews who want to film in the municipality. It’s something that the city definitely supports.”
Leishman said this is a good opportunity and other communities in the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities region that have embraced film have benefitted astronomically in the tourism realm from films that have been popular.
“They get tons of tourism coming to the region,” added Leishman. “The last film that filmed in our region hired a lot of locals to help behind the scenes, plus on-screen. There were catering services. I hope everyone can support this motion.”
Electoral Area C director Clay Brander said when the issue first came before the financial committee, he voted against it. He said he is now okay voting for it.
“I hope that come next year, that the island north film commission has a report that says what they did to promote the area,” said Brander.
Electoral Area A director and board chair Patrick Brabazon said he, too, voted negatively, at the finance committee.
“I’m still reluctant to go down that road,” said Brabazon. “However, I can read the writing on the wall. In this case, it’s a weighted vote, and director Leishman is there with four votes all on her own.”
The board carried the motion for the grant unanimously.
