Freedom of Information

Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the public has the right to information about their municipal government, and the information it keeps. The Act also ensures private information is protected and kept confidential. Anyone wishing to obtain information kept by the Town of St. Marys should contact the Clerk for information on Freedom of Information Requests.

On this page:

1. Fees and application
2. Access and exemptions
3. Response time

Fees and application

There is a mandatory $5 application fee to initiate the process. Research fees may apply, staff to follow up during the application process

To submit a Freedom of Information request, fill out the online Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act application form.

Access and exemptions

In most cases, requesters are granted full access to all of the information they asked for. However, the Act contains a number of mandatory and discretionary exemptions which allow the Town to deny access to records containing certain types of information.

Mandatory exemptions

• Someone else's personal information;
• Inter-governmental relations
• Information about a third party.

For example, if a record contains someone else's personal information, or other information which was provided to the Town in confidence, the Town will sever (or blackout) this information from the record and you will be provided with a copy of the severed document.

Discretionary exemptions

• Information that may cause danger of health and safety;
• Solicitor-Client privilege;
• Published information;
• Economic or other interests of an individual or company;
• Limitations on access to one's own personal information;
• Draft By-laws;
• Reports and records of closed meetings;
  
• Legal, consultant advice or recommendations;
• Law Enforcement information.

If the Town withholds information under one or more of the exemptions, it will provide a decision letter outlining the reasons for the decision and what has been severed.

Response time

Under the legislation, the Town must respond within 45 business days of the receipt of your request. However, in the interest of good customer service, the Town of St. Marys will try to fulfill your request as quickly as possible. In circumstances where there is a large volume of records or it is necessary to consult with outside agencies, the Town may ask for an extension of the 45-day time limit.