Christmas movie shot at Okanagan outdoor ice rink

Central Okanagan residents who decided to skate at Stuart Park’s ice rink earlier this week may be featured in an upcoming Christmas movie.

CMW Productions crews set up at the rink in the last few days filming for the Hallmark holiday movie with the working title Family Christmas Tree, said producer Costa Vassos.

Film crews are moving to a different location today, Dec. 18 and will wrap up filming Dec. 22, he said. The made-for-TV-movie will be released next Christmas.

In recent months, the Okanagan has been featured in numerous Hallmark holiday films. Last weekend, West Kelowna country musician Ben Klick was spotted in a Christmas movie that aired on the W Network.

READ MORE: West Kelowna country star spotted in Hallmark holiday movie

Highway closures due to flooding and with Highway 3 being only open to essential travel has made transporting equipment difficult for film crews from the Lower Mainland.

Some larger productions like the TV show Motherland: Fort Salem cancelled shoots in Kamloops due to the highway closures and restrictions.

The Coquihalla is expected to open Dec. 20 to essential traffic and Highway 3 will also be open to non-essential traffic next week.

READ MORE: Interior film industry takes hit as producers grapple with highway closures

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