The Municipality of Central Elgin is subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The Act holds Central Elgin accountable and ensures that information is publicly available. MFIPPA also allows you to submit a Freedom of Information request to access government information and requires Central Elgin to protect any personal information in Municipal custody.

Before filing a request, check these sources for the material you're looking for:

  • Past Council agendas, minutes and reports (using the searchable database)
  • Municipal website (using the search function)
  • Contact the municipal department that the information relates to

How to Apply

  • Complete the Freedom of Information Request Form
  • When making your request be as specific as possible to get the information that you need
  • Submit your request and the application fee of $5 in person or by mail to: 

MFIPPA Coordinator, Municipality of Central Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 5V1

Fees

In addition to the $5 application fee, you may be charged additional processing fees:

  • $0.20 per page for photocopying
  • $7.50 for each 15 minutes of manual record search time (doesn't apply for requests for personal information)
  • $7.50 for each 15 minutes spent to prepare records for disclosure (doesn't apply for requests for personal information)

These fees are prescribed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Process

Central Elgin will respond to your request within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the completed FOI Request form and fee. In the response, Central Elgin will provide a decision on access to the requested records.

If the request cannot be completed within 30 days where it negatively affects the regular operations of the Municipality or where other individuals or third-parties may be affected by the possible release of information, Central Elgin will advise you of an extension and the anticipated date of a decision.

Appeals

If you're not satisfied with the response to your request for information or the fee estimate, you can make an appeal to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. You must file the appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision letter or fee estimate.