An online petition has been started asking the city to reconsider a ban on a certain type of artificial snow being used in local film productions.

As of early this morning, the petition has nearly 600 supporters.

The Special Effects section of the city’s 2018-19 Film and TV Production Handbook says “Due to environmental concerns, the City of North Bay has suspended the use of the PHOSCHECK (aka snow foam) substance.”

One city councillor has reached out to staff to learn more about the ban.

Mike Anthony says it’s important that a solution and a compromise can be found.

“I believe our staff are doing exactly what they think they should do and they are trying to be safe. We have to check and see if there’s something to do with the dilution, or something like that, that can be done,” he says.

Anthony points out the film industry pumped $8.9 million into the local economy in 2016.

That jumped to $22.7 million last year.

“I have also heard from a member of the movie industry and has assured me that they’re not taking any productions out of town, if that’s the thoughts that are out there,” he adds.

 

(File photo)

Filed under: film-foam-flap, hollywoodnorthbay