Freedom of Information

Step One: Things to know before making an FOI request

Before submitting a formal FOI request, search the Neebing website to see if the information you are looking for is already available.

Here's what you should know when making your FOI request:

Provide as much detail as possible about the records or information you are requesting. This helps staff locate the information you are looking for. If you can, specify the type of information you are looking for such as, the dates for the information you are requesting and the municipal department that has the information you are requesting.

• If you are requesting information about a property, you should submit one request per municipal property address.
• A $5 application fee is required to submit an FOI request. Additional fees are applicable for processing and photocopying.
• You will receive a response within 30 days from the time you submit your request and $5 application fee. You may be contacted if there is not enough information in your request or to seek clarification on the records you are looking for.
• A time extension may be required if your request involves an extensive search or a large volume of records.
• There are some exceptions to what you can obtain through the FOI process. Specific exemptions are listed in the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act.
• Review Step 2: Frequently Requested Records before submitting your request.

Step Two: Frequently requested records

Frequently requested information that is available through a direct request to the Municipal department include:

• Fire incident reports
• Property records, such as building records/plans (available to the property owner or their legal representative)
• Ambulance call reports (available to the patient or their legal representative)
• Planning, development and Committee of Adjustment applications and records
• Environmental records, for example Environmental Notices of Violation and soil and groundwater analyses results

How to submit an FOI request

Please make sure to review Step 1: Things to know before making an FOI request and Step 2: Frequently requested records above before making your request.

Requests can be submitted in-person or by mail. All requests must be submitted with the $5 application fee required under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

If you are requesting records or information that contain your own personal information, proof of identity must be provided.

FOI requests are not accepted by fax or email.

In-person: You can submit your request in person to the Municipal Office.

Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).

By Mail: You can also mail it to our office together with a $5.00 cheque/money order payable to the Municipality of Neebing.

Municipal Office address: Municipality of Neebing - 4766 Highway 61 - Neebing, ON P7L 0B2

After the decision (Appeals to the Information & Privacy Commissioner)

Once your request is processed, you will receive a letter containing a decision about your FOI request, any fees owing (e.g. fees for photocopying, computer disks or search time) and how to make a payment for fees.

Requests for information held by the Municipality of Neebing are made to the Municipal Clerk's Office. Decisions on access to information are subject to independent review by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by the Municipality, you can file an appeal with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Appeals

An appeal must be made within 30 calendar days of receiving the decision. To file an appeal you must write to the Information and Privacy Commissioner's office indicating you are appealing the Municipality's decision.

Your letter should include a copy of your original FOI request and a copy of the Municipality's decision letter. Forward your request for an appeal with the appropriate fee to the Commissioner's office.