Through its subsidiary Screen Nova Studios, Screen Nova Scotia has purchased property to serve as a soundstage facility.

The 20-acre property, located about 30 kilometres outside downtown Halifax, is at 68/70 Highway #1, Mount Uniacke. It has multiple buildings to accommodate different aspects of film and television production, including two clear span soundstages, production offices and other spaces for various departments, according to the March 20 release.

The acquisition also includes an equestrian centre that will be repurposed into an additional stage with extra land to support further growth.

The property, which was evaluated in summer 2024 by Screen Nova Scotia’s soundstage committee, will be ready for the summer/fall 2025 production season with renovation and upgrade plans beginning immediately. It was purchased for $5 million from Beaumont Investment Group, with another $2.2 million planned for the upgrades, a Screen Nova Scotia spokesperson told Playback Daily.

A statement also noted that the property has long-term growth potential, including the possibility of a training facility for workforce development.

This acquisition comes three years after the provincial government announced an $8-million investment towards a soundstage.

Screen Nova Scotia had previously planned to build a 25-acre soundstage facility outside of Halifax in 2023, with that land since being let go, the spokesperson confirmed.

“Over the past 10 years, the film industry has not only rebuilt but has now re-established its position as a key player in boosting our economy,” said Screen Nova Scotia executive director Laura MacKenzie (pictured) in a statement. “A soundstage will anchor our industry for the future — providing a year-round home for productions, attracting business, creating jobs and playing a critical role in developing our workforce to grow the industry.”

According to the CMPA’s Profile 2024 report, Canadian film and television production volume, by region of the lead producer, increased by 36.5% in Atlantic Canada from 2022-23 to 2023-24, the most of any region.

“Film and television production is booming in our province. We’re committed to fuelling that success, which creates high value jobs and drives economic growth,” said Nova Scotia premier Tim Houston. “By investing in the right infrastructure, we will help unlock the full potential of our film industry and show the world what Nova Scotia has to offer.”

Image courtesy of the Province of Nova Scotia