Skip to content

Gathering at Cultus Lake church turns out to be film shoot

RCMP were dispatched to investigate, but a film crew from Southside Church was following protocols
23624920_web1_201214-CPL-MovieShootAtCultusChurch_1
RCMP responded to a report of a large gathering at Cultus Lake Memorial Church Saturday, only to find a crew shooting a movie. (Google Maps photo)

With a small number of Chilliwack churches in the spotlight for defying provincial health orders, all churches have eyeballs on their parking lots.

But even during a pandemic, sometimes a parking lot can be full of vehicles for a legitimate reason.

That was the case Saturday night at the Cultus Lake Memorial Church.

Police received a report of people gathering at the building, and RCMP spokesperson Mike Rail said officers were dispatched to investigate.

When they arrived, they found a video shoot in progress.

“We did have a complaint, and officers did check it out, but it turned out to be a film set and they had all the required permits,” Rail noted.

The video shoot was actually being conducted by another church, Southside, which rented the building. Since March, Southside has been filming services for ‘Southside Church Online,’ and the church’s communications director, Breanna Murphy, said they’ve done so with the utmost caution.

According to Murphy, anyone who was involved in the shoot was required to wear a mask and follow physical distancing and sanitization standards.

“Southside remains committed to taking every precaution for our people’s health and safety and, more importantly, the community as a whole” she said. “We adhere strictly to all guidelines set out by health authorities and Dr Bonnie Henry. When officers arrived on Saturday, they were greeted by two of our staff members who explained that we were there for a shoot. After inquiring about our production and safety procedures, they were satisfied and encouraged us to finish filming with no hesitation.

I absolutely understand the public’s plea that all be held to a high standard of health practices. Southside Church is on the same page and we will continue to adapt with each new COVID-19 update and public address.”

RELATED: Chilliwack churches continue to defy public health orders with in-person gatherings

RELATED: B.C. film industry given go-ahead to restart productions halted due to COVID-19


Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
eric.welsh@theprogress.com

@ProgressSports
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Eric Welsh

About the Author: Eric Welsh

I joined the Chilliwack Progress in 2007, originally hired as a sports reporter.
Read more