How to make a Request

1. Complete the following form: Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - Request Form

2. Submit your request in person or by mail to:

Office of the Clerk
Municipality of Meaford
21 Trowbridge Street West
Meaford, ON N4L 1A1

It helps to make your request as specific as possible to get the information you need. A clear request helps us find what you are looking for and limits fees you will be charged.

Cost

You will pay a $5 fee when you submit your request. This fee is not refundable.

The following fees may also be applied:

• $0.20 per page for photocopying
• $7.50 for each 15 minutes of manual record search
• $7.50 for each 15 minutes spent preparing records

We will give you an estimate if fees are anticipated to be $25 or more. If the estimate is over $100, you will need to pay a 50% deposit.

We accept payment by cash, debit or credit. We do not accept personal cheques.

These fees are prescribed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Regulations and Guidelines for Municipalities and Local Boards.

How Long Does it Take?

You will get the results within 30 calendar days. If you are asking for a large number of records, or if it requires and extensive search or consultation with a third party, this timeline may be extended. We will let you know about any time extensions.

Expedited Requests

There is no way to expedite a request. We can make a note that your file is urgent, but we can't guarantee a response time shorter than 30 days.

Getting your Results

Once your records are ready and you have paid your fees, your records will be mailed to you. You can pick them up at the Municipal Office (21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford). If you are requesting your own personal information, you will have to provide proof of your identity before you will get your records.

Make an Appeal

MFIPPA allows you to appeal decisions about access to records made by municipalities.

You must file your Appeal Form within 30 calendar days after you receive the notice of the decision for any of the following reasons:

• A decision to extend the time limit for responding to a request
• A refusal to grant access to a record on the grounds that the record does not exist
• A refusal to grant access to a record on the grounds that the record is exempt from disclosure
• Granting access to only part of a record
• A refusal to confirm or deny the existence of a record that deals with law enforcement or would, if disclosed, be an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
• Granting a request for access to a record or part that may contain information where the disclosure may be an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
• A deemed refusal to grant access to records
• A refusal to make a correction to personal information
• The amount of a fee charged
• A refusal to waive a fee or a refusal to allow the requester to examine the original record

Resources

• FAQ - Municipality of Meaford FOI Process
• FOI Fact Sheet
• FOI Mini Guide
• www.ipc.on.ca
• Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - Request Form
• Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - Appeal Form