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Opinion: Pledge ensures Delta taxpayers are stars of the show

Every relationship is going to have its ups and downs, so it’s not surprising the one between the Delta community and the film industry has hit some rough patches over the years.
meeting
More than 50 residents and business owners were on hand at Harris Barn in Ladner earlier this month for a public meeting on the film industry in Delta.

Every relationship is going to have its ups and downs, so it’s not surprising the one between the Delta community and the film industry has hit some rough patches over the years. A public meeting last week at Harris Barn attempted to smooth out the most recent wrinkles, although it was a statement from Delta’s top bureaucrat that just might be the most telling line uttered that evening.

There’s absolutely no doubt the film industry is a big player in these parts, employing thousands and injecting millions into B.C.’s economy annually. When films crews come to town they’re typically accommodating and generous as they recognize they’re plying their trade in our back yard, although every now and then things go off the rails, whether that’s because one of those crews is not quite as courteous as it should be or due to the fact filming fatigue has set in as a result of multiple shoots.

City hall has grappled with the issue over the years, at one point not long ago proposing a three-week cooling off period so certain sites (read Ladner Village) don’t get overwhelmed by a constant stream of film crews, but last week’s meeting, where the public was able to voice concerns, showed that despite the best of intentions from all sides, there are still times when there’s conflict.

That’s why it was heartening to hear city manager Sean McGill’s declaration that when it comes to filming, residents and businesses are Delta’s priority. There are definitely people out there who don’t feel that’s been the case, so it’s encouraging to hear the city’s top bureaucrat make such a pronouncement.

I think the vast majority of interactions with film crews are positive, but when they’re not, residents and merchants expect city hall to have their backs, provided, of course, they have a legitimate beef. It only seems reasonable that those who live and set up shop here, the ones who pay the freight in terms of property taxes, should have assurances they won’t be inconvenienced to any significant extent.

That’s not to suggest crews aren’t welcome to film here, because they certainly are, but the ground rules must be such that the future isn’t filled with more meetings where members of the public gather to vent their frustrations.