The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) establishes a procedure for accessing general records held by municipalities and individuals' personal information. The intent of the Act is to promote transparency and accountability in government by making as much information available to the public as possible while also safeguarding individuals' privacy.
The Township's website and public document centre are excellent resources for finding published records.
If you can’t find what you need on our website, remember that you can request records through Routine Disclosure or Freedom of Information requests.
For assistance in narrowing down your search, discussing the types of records you need, or making any other records related inquiries, please contact the Legislative Services Department.
Please note that a records search and request does not include the creation of new documents. The Township can only provide documents in their original form. For inquiries regarding Tax Certificates and Other Compliance Letters, please refer to the relevant webpage or contact the appropriate department.
Types of access requests
The Township of Ramara prides itself on its efforts to be both accountable and transparent about processes and information flow.
There are generally two types of access requests that can be made:
- Routine Disclosure: disclosure of municipal information or records in response to a routine inquiry or request for access that can be granted without filing a request under MFIPPA.
- Freedom of Information: formal requests involving general records or personal information held by public sector organizations. The information may be recorded in printed form, on film, or in electronic format.
Routine Disclosure Request
Our Routine Disclosure Policy identifies records and information that may be shared actively in accordance with the principles of the Municipal Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protections of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Many records are available online or by requesting the information by contacting the respective department. When a record is not routinely disclosed, a formal request will be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fees |
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The allocation of fees is authorized under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Municipal Act via the Township Fees & Charges By-law, and other applicable regulations. Please refer to the Township Fees & Charges By-law for the full list of charges regarding each document type.
If staff estimate that the total fee will exceed $100.00, an estimate will be provided prior to staff processing the request. Beneficially, the requestor may work with staff to amend the request in order to reduce the fee. Payment of 50% of the estimate is required before proceeding. |
Denial of request |
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The Township has the authority to deny any request for routine disclosure, as well as redact any information necessary in accordance with applicable legislation. If a routine disclosure request is denied, the requestor may submit a formal FOI request. |
Submit Routine Disclosure Request
Freedom of Information (FOI) Request
A FOI request is more formal and involves general records or personal information held by public sector organizations. The information may be recorded in printed form, on film, or in electronic format.
Please note that there will be a 4.5% convenience fee applied for credit card (Visa and Mastercard) payments. The public does have the option of apply and paying in person during business hours at the Township Administration building.
Fees and Charges
The fees and charges for Freedom of Information requests are created in conjunction with s. 45 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and Regulations thereof.
| Fee Type | General Records | Access to Personal Info |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Search & Preparation Fees (per 15 minutes) | $7.50 | |
| Computer Programming (per 15 minutes) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Photocopying/Printing (per page) | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Digital Media (per item) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Other Costs | As invoiced | As invoiced |
| IPC Appeal Fee | $25.00 | $10.00 |
Please note that an estimate will be provided if the fees are over $25.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refusal to Provide Access |
| The Township may refuse to provide access to records based on exemptions listed in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Common exemptions include, but are not limited to law enforcement, closed municipal meetings, third party information, solicitor-client privilege, etc. |
Timelines and Deadlines |
| The basic deadline to issue a decision on the release of records is 30 days from the time of payment and a complete application. Applicants are able to appeal the decision of the Township by filing with the Information and Privacy Commissioner's Office within 30 days after receiving the decision letter. |
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