St. David Street bridge to close on Monday for movie shoot
FERGUS – The St. David Street bridge in Fergus will be closed all day on Monday for a movie shoot.
Centre Wellington Township made the announcement on its Facebook page on Feb. 3.
"Please note this has been approved by the township and interested parties, including the Film Safety Guide for filming in Ontario as film has been deemed an essential business," stated the Facebook post, which noted the bridge closure will last from 6am to 6pm on Feb. 8.
Entitled The Christmas Market, the film is being produced by Vortex, which Centre Wellington officials called "a boutique studio located in Toronto" whose films are promoted on W-Channel in Canada and are part of the Hallmark library in the U.S.
Several commenters on the township's Facebook post questioned how the filming of a movie can go forward when the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of local businesses and the cancellation of community events.
In a follow-up post the township stated, "There are numerous benefits to our community for the few short hours the filming will take place.
"Local caterers, property owners and restaurants have been utilized for the shoot, bringing money into our economy during this time."
Noting the Fergus BIA is "pleased" with the project, the township also stated, "Extensive health and safety guidelines have been developed and endorsed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to ensure not only our community remains safe, but industry professionals remain healthy."
