Equipment & Technology Distribution
To support your hands-on learning and production needs, The Creative School provides access to two independent, specialized distribution facilities. Together, these centres ensure that eligible students, staff, and faculty have the professional tools required to bring their creative projects to life.
Equipment Distribution Centre (EDC)
Located in the Rogers Communications Centre (RCC 166), the EDC serves as the primary access point for audio-visual gear and facility rentals across most creative programs.
creativeedc@torontomu.ca
416-979-5000 Ext. 557534
Technology Resource Centre (TRC)
Located in the School of Image Arts building (IMA B018), the TRC is dedicated exclusively to providing curriculum-specific film and photography equipment for Image Arts students.
imatechcentre@torontomu.ca
416-979-5000 Ext. 556845
Hours are located on the Patron Portal for each checkout centre.
Please Note: Centres reserve the right to change hours on short notice due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, staff events, etc.). Both centres are closed on all major holidays and university closures.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Enrollment: All patrons must be currently enrolled in a Creative School course. Access to resources, equipment, and facilities is determined by your program and/or course enrollment.
- Exclusions: Undergrad students during summer (not enrolled in production courses), students from other faculties, and alumni are not permitted to access equipment.
- Liability Form: All patrons must complete the liability forms to gain access to each distribution centre. By signing these forms, you are agreeing that you have read and will adhere to the policies and procedures of the Creative School.
- EDC Liability Form
- TRC Liability Form (link coming soon)
- Use and Training: It is expected that students have received proper operational training from faculty prior to borrowing. Distribution centre staff can assist with basic troubleshooting but are not responsible for teaching you how to use gear.
- Travel: If you plan to travel with equipment, please review and follow steps outlined in the Travel Insurance FAQ Document.
TRC Specific Policy
All 1st year students must submit a TMU WHMIS certificate, as proof of passing the online WHMIS test before access is granted. To take the training and quiz, you must have a TMU username and password. Click here for instructions on how to access WHMIS training.
Making Reservations
- Reservations can be made online via the Patron Portal or in person at the EDC & TRC counters. You can login to Patrol Portal with your TMU credentials.
- Please note that you will not be able to access the online booking system until you’ve submitted your liability form and it has been processed by staff. Expect at least a 24-hour turnaround between submission of this form and activation of your access.
- After reserving, always check your automatically generated confirmation email to ensure details are correct. If you do not receive an email, contact us immediately.
- If you cannot find what you need on the portal, submit the Equipment Request Form.
TRC Specific Policies
- Reservations cannot be made more than fifteen days in advance and no less than 24 hours in advance.
- Online reservations are requests only.
- The standard loan period is 72 hours (three days).
- To effectively manage the distribution of equipment, the TRC may limit quantities of certain items that are in demand, particularly during peak production periods. Limits may include:
- One camera per student/production.
- Two microphones per student/production.
- Two lenses per student/production.
- Other items that may be limited include lavs, tripods, lights, grip gear.
- Some equipment may be limited to in-building or studio use only.
- In-person check-outs and reservations must be 10 items or less. It is recommended that you book in advance through Patron Portal. Reservations cannot be made over the phone.
CLICK FOR VIDEO: How to Make a Reservation in the Patron Portal (WebCheckout)
Picking Up
- OneCard Required: You must present your OneCard to check out equipment or rooms. Only patrons listed on the allocation can pick up the items.
- Accompanying Patrons: To allow someone else to pick up your order, add an “accompanying patron” to your reservation. They must hold the exact same authorizations as you.
- Testing Equipment: The Creative School makes every effort to maintain its equipment to professional standards, however, the school cannot guarantee that all equipment is in perfect working order. Patrons MUST test all equipment and verify that every piece listed on the order is present and report any issues to the EDC/TRC before leaving. Equipment returned damaged or missing parts will result in a fine.
- Some gear requires an SD card and disposable batteries. Ask for batteries during your equipment test if they are missing. The checkout centres do not supply SD cards, though some advanced cameras include specialized cards (XQD, CF, Cfast or SD) if listed on your reservation.
EDC Specific Policies
- Equipment reservations are automatically cancelled if you are 30 minutes late.
- Room reservations are automatically cancelled if you are 15 minutes late.
TRC Specific Policies
- Reservations are automatically cancelled if you are 1 hour late.
- Due to the often-short turnaround between equipment loans, the TRC cannot guarantee that any equipment includes charged batteries.
Returning
- Early & On-Time Returns: You must track your return time to avoid late fees. If you wish to return early, you must notify the checkout centre. Do not show up with a large return unannounced.
- Stay at the Counter: You must remain at the counter during a return until staff have thoroughly checked the equipment and cleared you to leave. This includes the return of keys. Leaving before you’ve been cleared will result in a fine.
Renewals & Extensions
- Renewals and extensions are never guaranteed and will be accommodated pending demand and availability. If a renewal is unavailable, you must return the equipment at its original time to avoid a fine.
- You cannot extend an order that is already past due.
EDC Specific Policy
- Extensions must be requested via the Patron Portal or by calling the EDC. Extensions are never processed via email.
TRC Specific Policy
- Extensions must be requested by phone or in person at the TRC.
Cancellations
- If you no longer need your reservation, you will need to contact the checkout centre to cancel your reservation. An automatic confirmation email will be sent upon a successful cancellation.
- Failure to cancel unused reservations will result in a fine.
- Occasionally, the checkout centres must cancel reservations due to unforeseen circumstances, including:
- Resources taken offline for loss, damage, or urgent maintenance.
- Reservations made with errors or policy conflicts.
- Equipment not returned on time by the previous user.
EDC Specific Policy
- Cancel your bookings via the Patron Portal or in person at the EDC.
TRC Specific Policy
- Cancel your bookings by calling the TRC.
To ensure gear/room availability, The Creative School imposes strict fines which are enforced by the checkout centres. Fines will result in the immediate suspension of your EDC or TRC borrowing privileges until the balance is paid in full.
Fine Rates & Violations
- Late Returns: $5.00 for every half-hour late (up to $50.00/day). The maximum fine is the total replacement value of the gear.
- Improper Use / Room Conditions: Fines apply for leaving rooms untidy, doors unlocked, having food/drinks present, equipment not put away, or disconnecting/rewiring room hardware. Fine amount is case-by-case.
- Damaged, Lost, or Stolen Gear: The patron is fully responsible for replacement or repair costs. TMU is a high-traffic area; never leave equipment unattended in hallways, lockers, or suites. Always lock facility doors and keep keys on your person. Do not hand keys over to anyone claiming to be the next user.
Paying a Fine
- Fines must be paid in person at the EDC or TRC.
- Students must load funds onto their OneCard – Campus Fund prior to paying.
- Booking begins at the start of the semester unless otherwise stated by your supervisor. You can reserve your own gear on the Patron Portal but are limited to a 3-day rental. You must separate bookings into distinct orders (Audio, Video, Lighting). Do not make one large order or it will be cancelled.
- Download and fill out the Practicum Equipment Request Form and Upload it Here. For questions, email edcpracticum@torontomu.ca.
- You are not authorized to reserve practicum equipment at the EDC counter.
- Specialty Gear: Lighting Grids and Flats must be reserved by emailing production@torontomu.ca. Send all training and operational questions here as well.
The KeyTracer system handles facility access outside of operational EDC hours.
- Location: 2nd floor of the RCC, right by the washrooms.
- Requirement: You must have a digital OneCard.
- Rules: Reservations start precisely at the scheduled time (no early access). Late returns are subject to fines.
How to Pickup a Key
- Scan your OneCard.
- Open the door when prompted.
- Remove the FOB with the red lit ring (use the up/down arrows if accessing multiple rooms)
- Close the door.
How to Return a Key
- Scan your digital OneCard.
- Scan the FOB.
- Return the FOB to the empty slot with the red lit ring.
- Close the door.
Purchases are made at the Technology Resource Centre in IMA B018 and must be paid for with your OneCard. Please ensure you have money on your OneCard (in Campus Funds). Money stored in your meal plans cannot be used to pay for film supplies.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Double X Negative (7222) | $65.09 |
| Fomapan 100 Cine 16mm | $49.41 |
| Foma Cine Ortho 400 16mm | $62.23 |
| Hi-Contrast Negative | $35 |
| China Marker | $1.60 each |
| Cotton Gloves | $1.90 per pair |
| White Leader (50’) | $7.75 |
| Clear Leader (50’) | $10.00 |
| SMPTE Leader (roll) | $5.50 |
| Flatback Tape (roll) | $5.90 |
| Mylar Splicing Tape (roll) | $8.45 |
| Tape Core for Splicer | $2.20 |
| 16mm Plastic Reel (grey, 400ft) | $6.70 |
| Mat Cutting Blades | $1.00 for 3 blades |
| Film Editing Kit | $46.70 |
Still have a question? Check out our FAQs page.
Equipment Distribution Centre (EDC)
Rogers Communication Centre, Room 166
80 Gould St, Toronto ON, M5B 2R1, Canada
Technology Resource Centre (TRC)
The School of Image Arts, Room B018
122 Bond St, Toronto ON, M5B 1W1, Canada