What is an FOI Request?
A request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) for records related to an incident, file, application, complaint or some other request for records, usually within a specified time.
What is a record?
Anything on which information is recorded or stored including books, documents, maps, drawings, photographs, letters, emails. An FOI request only applies to records that belong to the District (custody) and that the District has control of. Some records are outside of an FOI request such as records available for purchase and records not related to business such as personal emails.
What information is withheld?
The most common reasons for withholding or redacting (blacking out) information are disclosure harmful to personal privacy, and disclosure harmful to business interests of a third-party.
How much does it cost?
FOI requests are $30 per hour plus GST. In some cases, the first 3 hours are free.
How long will it take to get the records?
Legislation requires a response within 30 days although in some cases, the deadline may be extended. Staff will do their best to respond as soon as possible.
Looking for a Request for Information (RFI)?
Requests for documents for a specific property are a Request for Information (RFI) also commonly known as a "city file request" which includes: Building permit, final inspection/occupancy permit, inspection reports and land survey. FOI requests that are considered an RFI will be forwarded to the Building department to process.
Please click the button below to access the RFI webpage: