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. These 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 follow these steps:

1. Complete a request form, or write a letter stating that you are requesting information under the Act. Any clear written request that refers to the Act will also be accepted. Requesters should provide as much detail as they can about the records sought.
2. Forward the completed request form or letter the Chief Administrative Officer. Please note the application fee must accompany the request, payable to “The Township of Greater Madawaska”. Send the completed request form and payment to:

Township of Greater Madawaska

19 Parnell St. P.O. Box 180

Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0

Usually, a request is 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 must me 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.

Fee Schedule:

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.