Star Trek is now a Canadian enterprise. Here’s what made it so
Olivia Chow, the mayor of Toronto, has a model starship in her office that has become a beloved symbol for her. The starship, named the USS Toronto, is a Parliament-class vessel that is slightly bigger than her hand. Accompanying the model is a plaque featuring a quote from her late husband, Jack Layton, who passed away in 2011. The quote reads, “Always have a dream that will outlast your lifetime,” a poignant reminder of Layton’s love for dreaming big.
Layton, the former federal NDP leader, was a huge fan of the iconic sci-fi series, “Star Trek.” Chow’s own fandom for the show began in the 1960s when she was still living in Hong Kong. She recalls watching Star Trek: The Original Series, now known simply as Star Trek, every day after school. Captain Kirk, portrayed by Canadian actor William Shatner, left a lasting impression on her with his yellow uniform and adventurous spirit.
Today, Toronto has become a hub for the Star Trek franchise, with several productions being filmed in the city. Pinewood Toronto Studios, located just east of the Distillery District, was the filming location for Star Trek: Discovery, which premiered in 2017 and ran for five seasons. During the production of its final season, one of Pinewood Toronto’s sound stages was renamed the Star Trek Stage in honor of the studio’s connection to the franchise.
The upcoming series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, has also chosen Pinewood Toronto Studios as its filming location. Additionally, the movie Star Trek: Section 31, starring Michelle Yeoh, was shot at the studio and is set to release soon. Another spinoff of Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, is being filmed at a CBS film studio in Mississauga, west of Toronto.
John Weber, president and CEO of Toronto-based Take 5 Productions, attributes the success of bringing Star Trek to Toronto to the city’s strong film and television industry. He notes the depth, diversity, and talent of the local crews as factors that make Toronto an attractive filming location for major productions.
Ontario’s film commissioner, Justin Cutler, praises the province for offering a wide variety of locations for filming, including unique and otherworldly settings. He highlights Toronto’s versatility as a backdrop for various productions, from horror movies like It to superhero shows like The Boys.
Toronto’s film office, under the leadership of Marguerite Pigott, serves as a “one-stop shop” for production companies looking to film in the city. Pigott emphasizes the importance of showcasing Toronto’s strengths as a filming destination and attracting more major productions to the area.
Mayor Olivia Chow expresses her excitement for the long-term presence of Star Trek in Toronto, citing the economic benefits and job opportunities that come with hosting such productions. As she gives a Vulcan salute, she looks forward to the continued success of the film industry in Toronto and the prosperity it brings to the city.
