Permits and licences
Rouge National Urban Park
Research and collection permits
Research and collection permits
Why permits are required
Research and collection permits authorize activities that are otherwise prohibited within locations administered by Parks Canada. Permitted research and collection activities are authorized for the purposes of improving our collective knowledge and understanding of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Activities that require a Parks Canada research and collection permit
- Research: All activities associated with natural science, archaeological, public opinion and social science research that occur in locations administered by Parks Canada.
- Collection: Any activity that involves the capture, alteration or removal of biotic or abiotic material (including parts or derivatives), or that involves the disturbance, removal of cultural and archaeological resources (in their entirety or in part).
Intake periods
Parks Canada receives many research and collection permit applications each year for Rouge National Urban Park. For the 2024-25 field season, applications for research and collection permits will be assessed three times, as follows:
| Research Period | Application intake window | Review Period | Field work begins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 to August 31 | February 15 – March 15 | 45 days | If a permit is issued, a minimum of 60 days from the date application is received | |
| September 1 to December 31 | May 15 – June 15 | 60 days | If a permit is issued, a minimum of 60 days from the date application is received | |
| January 1 to March 31 | September 15 – October 15 | 60 days | If a permit is issued, a minimum of 60 days from the date application is received |
Applicants should plan for a 60-day review period from the date of submission of their application.
Please consider that the permitting process may take longer than the standard 60-day review period if your project is complex, such a requiring additional permits, reviews or expert consultations.
Applications submitted outside of the three intake periods may be considered, but there is no guarantee that they will be reviewed within the standard 60-day review period.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted using Parks Canada’s online Research and Collection Permit System.
The Applicant’s Guide outlines the main permit and collection requirements of which all researchers must be aware at all Parks Canada locations.
You can find general information about the process on Parks Canada's Research and Collection Permits page.
Filming and photography
Filming and photography
All commercial filming and photography at the national park reserve requires a film or photography permit.
To apply for a permit to film at Rouge National Urban Park, please submit an application to rougefilm@pc.gc.ca. Application and permit processing times typically take 12-15 business days, however that may change depending on the complexity of the request. If approved, the appropriate permit(s) will be issued.
All applications are assessed against the Rouge National Urban Park Act and the project's potential contribution to public awareness, appreciation, and education about Parks Canada places.
To care for this special place, all filming activities have guidelines to ensure that activities respect ecologically sensitive areas, wildlife, and the experience of visitors.
For travel media requests please contact rougefilm@pc.gc.ca.
Small-scale film and photo project registration
Many small-scale projects only require project registration rather than a commercial permit. This registration form is for small travel media crews that wish to film or take photos in Parks Canada locations. “Travel media” includes journalists, freelancers, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and social media influencers. Please email rougefilm@pc.gc.ca for more information.
Commercial filming and photography
All commercial filming in Rouge National Urban Park requires a film permit.
Applying
Submit an application to rougefilm@pc.gc.ca
What works well
- Productions involving minimal equipment, crew size and impact on the environment and visitors;
- Productions contributing to public awareness, appreciation and understanding of Canada’s national parks and Parks Canada; and
- Productions requesting off-season or weekday shooting dates.
What won’t work
- Using fireworks;
- Using equipment, chemicals or engaging in any activity that may damage the environment;
- Disrupting, harassing or manipulating wildlife, including using trained wildlife.
Regulations
Full compliance with the Rouge National Urban Park Act, and Rouge National Urban Park filming rules and regulations is required. This includes but is not limited to:
- No damaging, destruction or removal of natural or cultural resources;
- No feeding, enticing (e.g. baiting, calling), touching, harassing, or disturbing park wildlife;
- No littering or leaving food or garbage where wildlife can access it (all food and garbage must be stored or disposed of in bear-proof containers and/or packed out;
- All aerial filming must comply with Canadian Air Regulations; the use of recreational UAV/Drones is not allowed and requires a Restricted Activity Permit in all other circumstances;
- No camping;
- No entering of closed areas;
- No fires outside of designated fire rings; cigar/cigarette butts and matches are litter and must be fully extinguished and disposed of appropriately;
- No motorized boats of any kind;
- No motorized vehicles in sensitive areas or off designated trails
Film Permitting Fees – Rouge National Urban Park (2025)
| Production crew size | Application fee (per project) | Location fee (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | $ 160.00 | $ 532.25 |
| 7 to 15 | $ 399.25 | $ 1064.75 |
| 16 to 30 | $ 798.50 | $ 1596.75 |
| 31 to 99 | $ 2661.25 | $ 2129.25 |
| 100 + | $ 3193.75 | $ 2661.25 |
*Note that additional fees may be incurred during production at Rouge National Urban Park, including but not limited to:
• Onsite staff supervision
• Environmental mitigation equipment rentals;
• Parking fees
• Environmental Assessment fees (if applicable)
• Archeological Assessment fees (if applicable)
Parks Canada reserves the right to refuse applications that do not align with the values of the Agency or revoke permission if terms and conditions of the permit are violated.
Drones and unmanned areal vehicles (UAVs)
Recreational use of drones at all Parks Canada places is prohibited. Please do not fly your drone in the park.
Drone flying is a popular hobby for many people and may also be used for commercial purposes.
However, drones can pose risks to Rouge National Urban Park tenants, disturb wildlife and lead to negative experiences for other park visitors. For these reasons, Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones.
Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries and without an approved permit may result in law enforcement action.
Commercial drone use (by permit only)
- It is prohibited to fly a drone in Rouge National Urban Park without a permit signed by the Field Unit Superintendent.
- A Special Flight Operations Certificate – Basic Operations and/or Advanced Operations (SFOC) may also be required from Transport Canada for the UAV depending on its weight and nature of the shoot (i.e. flying over bystanders).
- For commercial video and photography, a request to fly a drone must be identified in the Film Permit application.
Please note an application fee may apply.
The risks and impacts of drone flight vary depending on time, season and location; therefore, each application is evaluated individually.
To apply for a drone permit, submit an application to rougefilm@pc.gc.ca.
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