Access to Records and Information

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) gives the public the right to access Town records and information. Most Town records are easy to access. Some limits apply to protect personal, private, or third‑party information as required by MFIPPA.

If you are unsure where to find the information you need, contact Customer Service at (519) 733-2305 and we will connect you with the appropriate department for assistance.

Freedom of Information Request

A Freedom of Information (FOI) Request is a written request for Town records. This request is made under a law called Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). This law helps keep local governments accountable while protecting personal information. It gives people the right to see government records unless the information falls under certain exclusions or exemptions.

Submit Freedom of Information Request

How to Access Town Records

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request must be made in writing. You may either complete a request via our online form or write a letter addressed to the Municipal Governance Department with the prescribed $5.00 application fee.

When submitting an FOI request, please be sure to provide the following:

Your name, address, email and a telephone number where you can be contacted if there are any questions about the request
Be as specific as possible when describing the records you want to access
If you are requesting your own personal information, please contact the Municipal Governance Department at extension 238

When to Expect a Response

Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Town must respond to your request within 30 calendar days of receiving it. Our response will:

Provide the requested information or explain why the information cannot be disclosed
For requests to correct personal information, confirm whether the correction has been made or advise that the record remains unchanged but has been noted
The 30-day timeline may be extended in certain circumstances, such as when the request involves a large volume of records or when consultation with third parties is required

Appealing an Access Decision

If you are not satisfied with the decision by the Town, you may appeal that decision with the Information Privacy Commissioner’s Office, within 30 days of receiving the decision letter and request a review. The appeal fee is $10.00 for personal information requests and $25.00 for all other requests. The appeal fee must be mailed to:

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
80 Bloor Street West
Suite 1700
Toronto, ON M5S 2V1

Appeals may also be submitted through the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario website.

Property Records Request

A Property Records Request (PRR) allows you to obtain copies of records from various Town departments, including Building, Engineering, Planning, By-law, Fire, and Finance. The purpose of this application is to provide property owners, realtors, and lawyers with a convenient way to access records that support real estate transactions such as sales and refinancing. Once your application is submitted, the Town will search for the records you have requested and provide any existing documents to the applicant.

Submit Property Records Request

How Can I Request a Property Record?

A Property Records Request must be submitted online. You will need to be made aware of the following:

A request for a PRR can only be made by a solicitor, mortgagee, legal property owner, or relator
If you are not the legal property owner, you will be required to provide owner authorization and direction
Please make sure you select the correct record type before submitting your request. Fees are non-refundable

When to Expect a Response

The Town is unable to expedite requests. Please allow a minimum of ten business days for processing.

Questions related to this application should be directed to the Deputy Clerk at (519) 733-2305 extension 238.