Sep 11, 2018

Ladysmith is Open for Business During Sonic Movie Production

Ladysmith, September 10, 2018 - It is business as usual in historic downtown Ladysmith during filming of the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie. When patrons visit their favourite businesses along First Avenue, they will notice many of the storefronts have been transformed in preparation for filming. However, everything is the same behind most of the new facades.

Some businesses will be closing for the duration of the shooting, including Top Drawer Consignment.  Others may close down for one or two days during filming.  Customers are encouraged to phone ahead to make sure the businesses they need to visit are open.

Although filming is scheduled to take place between September 14 and 24, most of it will happen during late afternoon and into the night.  In fact, September 14 is the only full day of filming.

According to the Sonic production schedule, First Avenue from Roberts Street to High Street, and Gatacre east of First Avenue to the alley will only be closed to vehicle traffic for one full business day of filming this Friday, September 14. On other days, filming begins in the late afternoon, sometimes extending overnight. During business hours, shops and restaurants will be open and streets will remain accessible to pedestrians.

Shoppers may experience short delays during actual filming. This provides an opportunity to watch the making of a multi-million dollar movie in action.

During filming, parking along First Avenue between Roberts Street and High Street may be limited at certain times. As well, painted lines to indicate angled parking spaces may be somewhat obscured yet still visible. Drivers are asked to park within the angled lines as they normally would.

Shoppers are encouraged to park along side streets, including on Second Avenue north of High Street, and on High Street itself.  There is also a municipal lot on Roberts Street (across from City Hall, and beside the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce) that will be kept clear for downtown customers. 

The Town would like to thank residents, business owners and downtown customers for their interest and patience.

Updates and additional information can be found on the Town's website at www.ladysmith.ca

Film activity and road closures

Affected roadways:

First Avenue from Roberts Street to High Street

Gatacre Street east of First Avenue to the alley

Closed to vehicle traffic (open to pedestrians) during the following dates and times:

  • September 14, 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • September 17 – 18, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
  • September 19 – 23, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.