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Freedom of Information

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) provides a framework for accessing general municipal records while protecting personal information. The Act is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government and safeguard individual privacy.

Many records are available publicly through the Township of Ramara’s website and CivicWeb Portal Document Centre, which serve as valuable resources for accessing published information.

If the required information is not available online, records may be requested through Routine Disclosure or a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Types of Access Requests

The Township of Ramara supports transparency and accountability through two main types of access requests:

Routine Disclosure
Information or records provided in response to a routine inquiry, without the need for a formal MFIPPA request. Many of these records are available online or by contacting the relevant department.

Freedom of Information (FOI)
Formal requests for access to general records or personal information held by public sector organizations. Records may be in printed, electronic, or other formats.

Please note: Records requests do not include the creation of new documents. Only existing records can be provided in their original format. For inquiries related to Tax Certificates or Compliance Letters, refer to the relevant webpage or contact the appropriate department.

Routine Disclosure Request

The Township's Routine Disclosure Policy identifies records and information that may be shared actively in accordance with the principles of the Municipal Act and 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.

Building Records Requests

Building and septic permit records on file with the Township may be available through submission of a building records request, in line with the Township's Routine Disclosure Policy.

Some records requests may only be issued to the property or an authorized agent without a formal Freedom of Information request. Proof of identification may be required.

The allocation of fees is authorized under MFIPPA, the Municipal Act via the Township Fees and Charges By-law, and other applicable regulations. Please refer to the Township Fees and Charges Bylaw for the full list of charges regarding each document type.

Township staff are expected to maintain consistency regarding charges for the following:

  • File search time (as per Schedule A, Fees & Charges By-law)
  • Photocopies, if applicable (as per Schedule A, Fees & Charges By-law)
  • Shipping or mailing costs
  • All other costs incurred in responding to a request

If staff estimate that the total fee will exceed $100, an estimate will be provided prior to staff processing the request. The requester may work with staff to amend the request in order to reduce the fee. Payment of 50% of the estimate is required before proceeding.

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 Freedom of Information request.

Submit a Routine Disclosure Request Submit a Building Records Request

Freedom of Information (FOI) Request

An FOI request is a more formal request that 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.

Fees and Charges

The fees and charges for freedom of information requests are created in conjunction with s. 45 of MFIPPA and regulations thereof.

There is a 4.5% convenience fee applied for credit card (Visa and Mastercard) payments. Payment can be made online or in person during business hours at the Township Administration Building. 

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

An estimate will be provided if the fees are over $25.

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.

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, and solicitor-client privilege.

Submit a Freedom of Information Request

Contact Us

Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0

T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca

 

Township of Ramara Legislative Services

T: 705-484-5374 ext. 235
E: clerks@ramara.ca

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