Canada’s largest movie backlot, located in Pickering, Ontario, is asking for a significant rent reduction from the City of Pickering to weather the ongoing slowdown in film and television production. Operated by Sunbelt Rentals of Canada Inc. (formerly William F. White International), the 23-acre backlot, which has been instrumental in branding Pickering as “Hollywood Northeast,” is requesting a rent drop from $30,000 to $17,000 per month.

A Vital Asset in Pickering’s Film Industry

The Pickering backlot has been a standout player in Ontario’s film and TV production scene, complementing the 180,000-square-foot TriBro Studios on Sandy Beach Road. Built in 2021 as a fully customizable town for Amazon Prime’s Reacher, the backlot has since attracted a variety of productions. Its versatile 23-acre set includes 30 storefronts, six interior sets, and two green screens, catering to everything from rustic westerns to urban blockbusters.

This flexibility has made the backlot a unique offering in the industry, solving key logistical challenges for productions. However, the broader downturn in the entertainment sector has diminished its returns, prompting Sunbelt Rentals to renegotiate the lease to ensure continued operation.

Negotiating a Path Forward

City staff have acknowledged the financial strain on the backlot, noting in their report that Sunbelt now faces the choice of either exiting the tenancy or staying with a reduced lease rate. The proposed $17,000 monthly rent would maintain uninterrupted, albeit reduced, revenue for the city while allowing Sunbelt to continue managing and operating the facility.

If approved, the revised lease agreement would reduce the city’s annual rental income by approximately $163,000. The deal also includes options for Sunbelt to renew in 2026 and 2028, with rates subject to future negotiations.

A Longstanding Legacy in Film

Pickering’s relationship with the film industry dates back over 65 years to the production of the 1957 TV series Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans. The outdoor shots for this historic series, Canada’s first American-Canadian television co-production, were filmed on Valley Farm Road and in the Duffins Creek valley.

Since then, Pickering has hosted a string of notable productions, including The Black Stallion (1979), Strange Brew(1983), Bride of Chucky (1998), It (2017), and the Oscar-nominated Women Talking (2022). Its diverse locations, coupled with minimal red tape, have made the city a preferred destination for filmmakers over the decades.

Revitalizing Pickering’s Film Future

The Pickering backlot represents a key pillar of the city’s efforts to remain competitive in the global production landscape. Designed to address the film industry’s demand for large, flexible production spaces, the backlot offers a compelling advantage for productions seeking a turnkey solution in a growing market.

Despite current challenges, the backlot’s potential remains strong. If the rent adjustment is approved, it will allow Sunbelt to maintain operations, support local economic activity, and position Pickering for a resurgence when the industry rebounds.