A new film studio is coming to Lakeshore on a temporary basis.
Council approved a three year by-law amendment allowing a property on the corner of County Rd. 19 and North Rear Rd. to be used for the studio.
A 12ft high double fence erected around the facility is a security feature developer Jim Shaban says will attract bigger productions to the area.
The fence was designed to keep thieves out of a proposed medical marijuana facility, but Shaban says the fence will be the most appealing feature for production companies.
"I looked at what I had after my previous tenants had left and I said lets go do the whole thing," he says.
The fence is an eyesore according to several neighbours who attended council, with many saying the property has been mistaken for a jail on several occasions.
Future site of a new film studio in Lakeshore on the corner of County Rd. 19 and North Rear Rd. July 11. (Photo by AM800's Gord Bacon)
Shaban added a promise to plant trees, at a cost of $50,000, in addition to the existing landscaping that is required as part of the deal to help soften the appearance of the property.
He told AM800 News, the studio is his dream.
"Basically we've been operating there already under what's called a home occupancy permit. It allows me to use 25% of my space, three parking spots and we've done several productions there already," says Shaban.
He says the studio is his dream, and he's willing to do what it takes to make it happen.
Michigan is a prime example of the demand for production space, and Shaban says even drawing a fraction of that money would be worth the investment.
"If it's enough to get it kick started, gets us enough to convince larger productions to come our way," he says. "We fought Michigan, five Transformers movies shot there, a $40-million portion of a $200-million budget. If we can get a hold of our tax credits that we have in Canada, we can bring that work here and create those jobs."
Both sides can chose to leave the deal after three years.