If you're organizing an event or setting up a studio, looking outside of Vancouver proper can save you money and headaches. The suburbs are home to some massive rental houses that service the film industry but also have incredible audio inventory.
1. Long & McQuade (Surrey)
The Surrey location of L&M is a powerhouse. Because it's less picked-over than the Terminal Ave location, you can often find specific synths, PA speakers, and DJ mixers available on short notice. Their rental rates are standard, but the availability is the key.
2. Production Canada (Richmond)
Located near the airport, this is a pro-level event supply house. They have everything from massive line arrays to staging and lighting. If you are throwing a warehouse party or a small festival, this is where you go for the heavy lifting.
3. Backline Services (Burnaby/Richmond Border)
Need a specific vintage amp or a rare drum machine for a session? The backline rental companies that service the film industry often have warehouses full of gear that sits idle between shoots. Calling them up for a weekend rental can yield some incredible finds.
4. MakerLabs (Vancouver/East Van Border)
While not a rental house, MakerLabs offers access to laser cutters, CNC machines, and wood shops. If you want to build custom DJ booths, speaker cabinets, or stage decor, this is the place to do it yourself.