Welcome to Wayward Pines.
What started out as a rumour has come to change the face of Agassiz in very short time. And in doing so, that rumour turned reality has become the story of the year.
Sure, we've tried to play the role of Joe Cool while working amid the set and rubbing elbows with superstars over here on Pioneer Ave. But as time marches on, and the reality of the filming of Wayward Pines settles in, it's become increasingly difficult.
We watch from our front porch as Hollywood heavyweights work their magic and hone their craft.
It's entertainment at its finest, and sometimes feels like stalking. But the truth is, this is a really big deal.
Many movie fans waited patiently for the arrival of Matt Dillon, M. Night Shyamalan, Carla Gugino and more on our tiny little street. We visited the IMDB website daily for updates on who's who in the production, and were delighted as names were slowly but surely added to the list.
But this whole story goes much deeper than a Hollywood cast visiting rural B.C. There is money in the movie business, and that money is more than welcome here in Agassiz.
While there were some initial, well-raised questions about access to businesses during filming, changes to bus routes, payments for building amendments and the such, there were also quick answers. A survey in the fall revealed that indeed, most are very happy with their dealings with the production company.
Finally, when the red carpet is rolled up this spring, the entire production is expected to have pumped about $1 million into our local economy. And once they leave, there will be money to repair whatever damage has been done to Pioneer Park. It will be restored, if not improved, when the shooting has completed.
While we're looking forward to having our park back for the summer, let's enjoy the temporary Hollywood view.