Freedom of Information Requests

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990 (MFIPPA) came into effect January 1, 1991.

This legislation regulates and controls the information that is made available to the public and provides a formal procedure to request records. The Act not only provides rights to the public to gain access to municipal records, but also protects the privacy of individuals.

The Act allows access to records held by the municipality in accordance with the following principles:

  • Information should be made available to the public
  • Individuals should have access to their own personal information
  • Exceptions to access should be limited and specific
  • The privacy of individuals with respect to the personal information the municipality collects and maintains shall be protected
  • Decisions on the disclosure of government information may be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public without the need to make a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request. 

Requests for information containing personal information or third party information may require a formal FOI request. Access to Information does not include the right to require the Municipality to provide answers to specific questions or generate new records, only to a right of access to an existing document on which information has been recorded.

Submitting an FOI Request

The Office of the Clerk is responsible for handling all requests received under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

To request information under FOI, contact the Office of the Clerk by mail or email. 

Fees

The standard application fee is $5.00, however, there may be additional fess depending on the nature and complexity of the request. 

Processing Time

The municipality has 30 calendar days (including weekend and statutory holidays) to process FOI requests from the date a completed FOI request has been received with payment.

There are circumstances where the Office of the Clerk may require an extension. If an extension is required, the Clerk will notify you in writing.

Appealing an FOI Request

If you are unsatisfied with a decision made by the municipality in answer to your FOI request, you may appeal the decision to the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC).

For information on why you might decide to appeal a decision and how to file an appeal, visit the IPC website.

Mail your appeal letter or form (available on the IPC website):

  • Information and Privacy Commissioner
    2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
    Toronto, ON  M4W 1A8
    Tel: 416-326-3333 or 1-800-387-0073

Please note that the following information must accompany your request for an appeal:

  • The FOI request number assigned by the municipality
  • A copy of the original request for information which was submitted with the municipality 
  • A copy of the decision letter received from the municipality
  • The applicable appeal fee, in the form of either a cheque or a money order, made payable to the Minister of Finance (see IPC website for current fee).
Protecting Your Personal Privacy

In addition to providing individuals with access to municipal records, the Act also requires the Municipality of Middlesex Centre to protect the personal privacy of individuals.

Personal information is collected and used by the municipality for very specific purposes, which are identified at the time of collection. Your personal information will not be used for any other purpose than identified at the time of collection, nor disclosed in any circumstance, except as permitted by the Act.

If you feel your personal information has been misused or disclosed in a manner that is not consistent with the Act, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office.