‘Star Trek’ more Canadian than ever, but why?

Star Trek Franchise Finds a Home in Toronto

Olivia Chow, the mayor of Toronto, has a model starship in her office. It’s the USS Toronto, a Parliament-class vessel slightly bigger than her hand. An accompanying plaque features a quote from her late husband, Jack Layton, who passed away in 2011.

“Always have a dream that will outlast your lifetime,” the plaque reads, reflecting Layton’s love for “Star Trek.” Chow, a fan of the franchise since the 1960s, recalls watching “Star Trek: The Original Series” every day after school while living in Hong Kong before moving to Canada in 1970.

Today, Toronto has become a significant hub for the “Star Trek” franchise. Productions like “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” and “Star Trek: Section 31” have been filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios and other locations in the Greater Toronto Area.

John Weber, president and CEO of Toronto-based Take 5 Productions, credits the city’s depth, diversity, and talent in the film industry for attracting major productions like “Star Trek.” Ontario’s film commissioner, Justin Cutler, highlights the province’s wide variety of locations that have been utilized in various film and television projects.

Toronto’s film industry has hosted numerous major productions, including “The Expanse,” “The Boys,” and “Reacher.” The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum, have also made appearances in popular TV shows and movies.

With 3.8 million square feet of studio space in the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto is poised to further expand its presence in the film industry. Tax incentives provided by the provincial and federal governments make the city a competitive filming destination.

Marguerite Pigott, Toronto’s film commissioner, emphasizes the city’s reputation as a top filming location, attracting productions from around the world. Mayor Olivia Chow expresses her excitement about the long-term presence of “Star Trek” in Toronto, citing the economic benefits and job opportunities it brings to the city.

As Toronto continues to thrive as a filming destination, the legacy of “Star Trek” and other major productions solidify the city’s position in the global entertainment industry.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 3, 2025.