The trucks have rolled in and there is just a few hours before the production of “Greetings from Fairview” takes place in downtown Port Hope starting Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
At approximately 9 pm on Tuesday a convoy of trucks made their way down Dorset Street West where they were parked just inches from each other.
Pylons were set along the streets. The stores have been decorated with the facades. By the looks of the posters around town it appears the production time line centres around 1961.
Ready or not – it’s showtime!
A number of stores are making the best of it including Furby House Books whose front is a hobby store facade. Inside the store there are a number of IT souvenirs and items for sale.
Most stores along Walton Street and Queen Street have different facades for the production. Although no one has come out and officially said that it may be a series linked to the horror films IT which were filmed in Port Hope, the Capitol Theatre box office and Port Hope tourism office has been turned into the Derry Board of Trade.
Derry is the town which had to deal with the clown like evil villain in the IT movies.
Residents can expect temporary parking impacts, road closures and intermittent traffic stops that may cause delays. Pedestrian traffic and storefront access will be maintained. Port Hope is still open for business during filming!
Residents are advised of the following anticipated impacts:
Wednesday, May 24
Streets affected:
Walton Street (From Mill Street South to Brown Street)
Queen Street (From Augusta Street to Walton Street)
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Intermitted traffic stops: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Full road closures: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All times subject to change
Thursday, May 25
Streets affected:
Walton Street (From Mill Street South to Ontario Street)
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Intermitted traffic stops: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Full road closures: none
Bramley Street South
Filming on a private property will occur from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Lighting and noise will impact in this area – All affected residents will be notified.
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Intermitted traffic stops: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
All times subject to change
Friday, May 26
Streets affected:
Walton Street (from Mill Street South to Brown Street)
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Full road closures: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Queen Street (from Robertson Street to Walton Street)
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Full road closures: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mill Street South (from Robertson Street to Walton Street)
Robertson Street (from Mill Street South to John Street)
Augusta Street (from Elias Street to Queen Street)
Intermittent pedestrian delays: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Intermitted traffic stops: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Full road closures: none
All times subject to change
Parking impacts:
Residents are advised that parking will be extremely limited in the Downtown core from May 24 to May 26 and May 29 and 30. The production company will be occupying both Elias Street parking lots, Lakeland parking lot, and some metered street parking spots. The remainder of the street parking spots are available and free to use courtesy of the production company.
Note that the Elias Street parking lots will be used to assist the Capitol Theatre patrons during the performances scheduled on film days (May 24 and May 25).
Transit impacts:
Transit service will avoid the filming locations from Wednesday, May 24 to Friday, May 26. The re-routes are:
Route A: Depart Town Hall and proceed west on Augusta Street, north on Pine Street, West on Walton Street and continue standard route (same route upon return).
Route B: Depart Town Hall and proceed north on Mill Street South (By-pass stop B2, B3 and B4) and continue standard route north on Ontario Street (same route upon return).
Additional information and reminders:
Memorial Park will be set dressed on May 23 and 24, the park will remain prepped over the weekend (May 27 and 28) with security in place. Filming in Memorial Park is scheduled for May 26 and 29. The playground will remain open for use.
An American flag will be temporarily installed at 5 Mill Street South.
All above times are subject to change. Residents and visitors will be made aware of major changes as they occur.
A reminder to residents that the Farmers Market is on Saturday, May 27. All vehicles in the Town Hall parking lot Saturday morning will be removed.
Filming events are interesting and exciting for many, but please do not impede the work being completed.
The Mary J. Benson Branch of the Port Hope Public Library will remain open at its usual operating hours during the filming.
Please note: There will be additional filming on May 29 and 30. Details and permits for these dates have not yet been confirmed. The public will be notified of impacts when the schedule is finalized.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
