Freedom of Information Requests

Picture of people exchanging a sheet of paper
For Questions Contact:
Mike Barnier |
Clerk & Manager of Legislative Services
mbarnier [at] adelaidemetcalfe.on.ca
|
(519) 247-3687
ext.
8203
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)

Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), you have a right to ask certain public-sector organizations in Ontario for information they hold.

Anyone can make a request for information - there are no restrictions based on age or where you live.

The information you request could include:

  • Print
  • Film
  • Electronic records (e.g. emails)
  • Plans
  • Drawings
  • Photographs
  • Sound recordings (e.g. voice mail)
  • DVDs

Unavailable records

Not all information is available through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Some records cannot be released under Freedom of Information laws.

Exclusions and exemptions include:

  • Cabinet records
  • Court records
  • Records containing certain law enforcement information
  • Records that could prejudice intergovernmental relations
  • Personal information that could invade the privacy of an individual
  • Certain records supplied in confidence by a third party
  • Most labour relations records
  • You can make a request for information from:
  • Ontario government ministries
  • Most public agencies, boards, commissions and advisory bodies
  • School boards, colleges and universities
  • Public hospitals
  • The police
  • Municipalities
  • Some publicly funded organizations (e.g. museums, libraries)

Types of records

Information available under FIPPA from ministries and covered provincial agencies is listed in a Directory of Records.

This directory divides government record holdings into 4 categories:

  • The Personal Information Bank
  • Personal information organized by an individual's name or other personal identifiers.
  • Public Records
  • Personal information available to all members of the public.

General Records

General information that is not considered a Personal Information Bank or Public Records.

Common Record

A personal information bank that is common to more than one organization.

How to Make a Request
  • Complete the attached Freedom of Information Request Form (or prepare a written letter providing sufficient information to identify the records you want)
  • Submit your letter to the Clerk along with a payment of $5.00 (cash, debit or cheque)
Processing Time
  • You will get a written response to confirm that your request has been received.
  • Organizations have 30 calendar days to process FOI requests except in specific circumstances.
  • The Municipality will notify you if a time extension is required.
Fees

Application fee

  • $5 for each FOI request (cash, debit, cheque)
  • There is no application fee for a correction request to your own personal information.

Processing fees

Additional fees apply to process a request.

The processing fees depend on the nature of the request, including:

  • The type of information you requested (e.g. general records or personal information)
  • The format you wish to receive the information
  • The total costs incurred by the organization to produce or copy the information
  • You will receive a fee estimate if your processing fees will be more than $25. When processing fees are over $100, a deposit may be required.
Appeal a Request

You have the right to appeal any decision about access to records, made by organizations that are covered under Freedom of Information laws.

This includes appealing, if your request for information is denied.

You may file an appeal with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

You must: