Freedom of Information

Some information and records require you to submit a formal written request for access to this information under the MFIPPA. Contact us to find out if the information you want requires a formal written request. 

To submit a request you must: 

• Submit the Request Form online or download a hardcopy of the Request Form, complete it and submit it 
• Give enough information and details for us to find the correct records 
• Pay the $5 fee 
• Pay any additional costs for preparing the records you have requested 

1. The Municipal Clerk contacts the applicable department and asks that the records you have requested be forwarded for review 
2. The Clerk determines if the records contain any confidential information as outlined in the MFIPPA (confidential information is not included in the public's right of access to information) 
3. A letter is prepared letting you know which of the requested records you are allowed to have and an estimate of any fees to be paid to process the request 
4. Fees must be paid before you can receive a copy of the records 

The Township of Scugog must respond within 30 days of receiving your request. If the request is for a large number of records and requires more time to process or a consultation with an external third party, we advise you of any time extension needed. 

If your request includes confidential information that we can't release, either in part or full, you will receive a letter explaining which exemption denies access to the information. The denied information is blacked out in the copy of the records sent to you. 

Records not available through Freedom of Information include: 

• Records placed in the Township Archives by a private individual or organization 
• Employment related matters 

Mandatory exemptions require the municipality to deny access to a record. This includes: 

• 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 

Discretionary exemptions allow the municipality to decide whether it should deny access to the requested record. This includes: 

• Draft by-laws and records of closed meetings of Council or its committees
• Advice or recommendations of an employee or consultant 
• By-law enforcement matters 
• Release of information that could harm the financial or other interests of the municipality 
• Information under solicitor-client privilege, such as legal advice 
• Information which could endanger the health and safety of an individual 
• Information already available to the public through another means, or soon to be published 

If you are not happy with the decision about access to the information you requested, you can make an appeal in writing to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario within 30 calendar days of receiving the municipality's decision. The Commissioner makes impartial decisions under the MFIPPA. 

The municipality has 30 days from the date we receive your request to respond to it. If you haven't received a letter about your request after those 30 days, you can appeal this too. 

Your letter for appeal must include a copy of your original request for information and a copy of the municipality's decision letter. Forward your request for an appeal, with the appropriate fee, to the Commissioner's office at: 

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario 

2 Bloor Street East 

Suite 1400 

Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 

Appeal fees 

If you appeal a request for access to your personal information or a correction to your personal information, the appeal fee is $10. 

If you are appealing a request for access to general records, the appeal fee is $25. 

You must send your appeal fee with your appeal request. Cheques or money orders must be payable to the Minister of Finance.