Freedom of Information

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act applies to all local government organizations, including municipalities, school boards, public utilities, transit and police commissions, fire departments, conservation authorities, boards of health and other local boards. There are separate Acts that apply specifically to Provincial Ministries, agencies, and Federal Government institutions.

How to Request Municipal Information

To request records under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) follow these steps:

1. Complete an "Access or Correction Request" form, Requesters should provide as much detail as they can about the records sought.
2. Forward the completed form and the required $5.00 application fee to the CAO. Please note that the search process will not begin prior to the payment of the application fee. See below for fee payment options. Send the completed request form: Township of Greater Madawaska, 19 Parnell St. P.O. Box 180, Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0 or by email to the CAO.

A request is usually processed within 30 calendar days. This means that the Township must either provide access to the requested record or notify the individual that the information is exempt under the specific provisions of the Act. If the Township requires a time extension for any reason, then the requestor will be notified.

Fees

A $5 application fee applies to each request. In addition to the application fee, the Act provides that costs are to be borne by those who requested access to information or in certain instances where fees can be waived under section 45 of the Act.

Where a department presently charges a fee for a copy of a type of document under the “traditional access” or where another Act provides that certain costs can be charged for access to records, it can continue to do so after January 1, 1991.

All cheques must be made payable to The Township of Greater Madawaska or payment can be made in office by cash or debit or payment can be made by e-transfer to payments@greatermadawaska.com.

Applicable costs which can be charged to the requester are listed below. If however, the cost to prepare a request is over $25.00 the requester may be given a fee estimate before completing the request. NOTE: The records will not be severed, copied or released until the fee is paid or waived.

NOTE: Fees estimated at over $100.00 will require a deposit of 50% of the estimate prior to proceeding with search request.