| Item | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $5 | The application fee is mandatory, not subject to waiver and must be paid when application is submitted. |
| Search time | $7.50 / hour | If required to search for records. |
| Record preparation | $7.50 / hour | If required to sever or to prepare records for release. |
| Photocopying | $0.20 / page | Requestor’s copy only |
| Computer programming | $60 / hour | If there is a need to develop a program to retrieve the information. |
| Diskettes / CDs | $10 each | Not applicable |
Freedom of information
As a member of the public, you have the right to request any information held in the custody or control of Niagara Region under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Before you submit a request
We are committed to making information available online wherever possible. Before submitting a formal request, you may wish to contact the relevant program area, as some information can be provided directly. A formal Freedom of Information request is required for access to records that are not routinely available
- Search the website to see if the information is already available
- Search Open Data to review any holdings that have already been published
- Contact the division — the division that holds records may be able to direct you to publicly available information
Niagara Region does not process requests for information related to the Niagara Regional Police Service. This includes police reports, investigation and communication records, law enforcement related 911 calls, and evidence collection. Visit the NRPS Freedom of Information requests for more information.
Submit a request
There are three types of requests depending on the information you need. A non-refundable $5 application fee applies to all Freedom of Information requests. Requests cannot be fast-tracked.
General records
Access to general Regional records, or access to or correction of your own personal information held by Niagara Region.
Processed within 45 days
Personal health information
Requests for physical or mental health records, medications or treatment, medical records or health history held by Niagara Region Public Health.
Processed within 45 days
Environmental records search
Records about environmental concerns associated with a specific address, such as spills, sewer use by-law violations, or other pertinent information on an industrial property.
$188.79 mandatory fee
Results in approximately 4 weeks
Fees
You can pay fees, including any invoices received, in the following ways:
- In person - cash or cheque
- Online - pay online
Make cheques out to: The Regional Municipality of Niagara
In cases where the information requested is voluminous or complex, an estimate will be provided if the cost exceeds $100. Costs under $100 will be due when you receive your decision. Fees are determined by the Province's Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Fees for general records requests
Fees for personal information requests
| Item | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $5 | The application fee is mandatory, not subject to waiver and must be paid when application is submitted. |
| Photocopying | $0.20 / page | Requestor's copy only |
| Computer programming | $60 / hour | If there is a need to develop a program to retrieve the information. |
| Diskettes / CDs | $10 each | Not applicable |
Exemptions and appeals
Requests for information may be denied if the information contains confidential information. There are two categories of exemptions.
Access to a record will be denied if it contains:
- Information received in confidence from another government
- Financial or commercial information supplied in confidence where providing the information could harm the interests of another party
- Personal information about individuals other than yourself if the disclosure would constitute an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
Access to the requested record can be denied by Niagara Region if it contains:
- Draft by-laws and records of closed meetings of Council or its committees
- Advice or recommendations of an employee or consultant
- Law enforcement matters
- Information that could harm the financial or other interests of Niagara Region
- Information under solicitor-client privilege, such as legal advice
- Information which could endanger the health or safety of an individual
- Information already available to the public through another means or soon to be published
If your Freedom of Information request is denied, you can appeal the decision with the Information Privacy Commissioner of Ontario within 30 business days of the decision.
Correct your personal information
Individuals can correct their personal information if it's in error. This applies only to personal information to which you have been given access through a freedom of information request.
After a request has been granted to personal information, you can:
- Correct the personal information
- Submit a statement of disagreement, which is attached to the record
- Have correction notifications sent to those to whom the personal information was disclosed within the previous year
Complete the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Request form (PDF) and submit with the $5 application fee. You will be notified if the information will be corrected. If not, you may appeal the decision to the Information Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.