Construction to build Ottawa’s first film and television soundstage campus could soon be underway. The Finance and Economic Development Committee today approved financing a $40-million loan to the Ottawa Film Office.

In partnership with TriBro Studios, the film office would build and operate the campus at the National Capital Commission’s Greenbelt Research Farm at 1740 Woodroffe Avenue. It would include four soundstages and office space for production, animation and training. Once open, it would create approximately 400 full-time jobs.

The Committee also approved the creation of a new Film By-law. The by-law would create a no-fee film permit and provide film and television production companies with a streamlined application process to film on City property and access City services. The new by-law would support the growth of the local television and film industry, and help the Ottawa Film Office promote Ottawa as an attractive destination for media production.

The Committee approved selling portions of three closed roads located at 933 Gladstone Avenue to Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for $1. The housing corporation plans to build a mixed-income community with affordable housing on the land, which is near transit.

The Committee formalized the City’s hiring practices for the three officials who report directly to Council. The City would follow best practices from the Ontario Ombudsman to recruit and appoint the Auditor General, the City Manager and the Integrity Commissioner, and to review the performance of the Auditor General and the City Manager.

Items approved at today’s Committee meeting will go to Council on Wednesday, March 25.

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