Screen Nova Scotia, through its subsidiary, Screen Nova Studios Inc., has purchased the property located at 68/70 Highway #1, Mount Uniacke (Exit 3 off Highway #101) to serve as a soundstage. The 20 acre property has multiple buildings to accommodate the different needs of a film and television production including two clear span soundstages, production offices, and other spaces suitable for various departments. The property also boasts an equestrian centre that will be repurposed into an additional stage and an abundance of land to support future growth.
This acquisition comes three years after the provincial government announced its investment of $8 million toward a soundstage, with the goal of increasing the industry’s capacity, creating employment opportunities, and allowing productions to continue year-round (read that release HERE).
“This is a pivotal moment in the post-2015 film industry era,” said Laura Mackenzie, Executive Director, Screen Nova Scotia. “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. Today’s announcement is a vital part of our growth potential. 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.”
Multiple properties and options have been explored and evaluated by Screen Nova Scotia’s soundstage committee since the 2022 funding announcement. This property was scouted in summer 2024 and has undergone an intensive due diligence process, including consultations with producers and crew members who are familiar with the location. The turnkey property will be ready for the summer/fall 2025 production season with a plan for upgrades/renovations starting immediately. The property was also attractive due to its potential for long-term growth, including a potential training facility for workforce development.
“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 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.”
A soundstage is a crucial piece of infrastructure and the acquisition of this property will fundamentally transform the potential and promise of Nova Scotia’s film and television industry. A soundstage shifts a seasonal industry into a year-round job creator and economic generator, keeping Nova Scotians working here at home and injecting production budgets directly into the province.
For Screen Nova Scotia, this soundstage will be a major tool in assisting the industry in creating high paying, high skill jobs over the next several years, as well as attracting international investment and fostering economic growth. Productions coming to Nova Scotia to film spend their budgets on goods and services provided by local businesses across the province, significantly enhancing Nova Scotia’s economy.
You can read Executive Director Laura Mackenzie’s remarks from the March 20th announcement HERE.