Dysart promotes open government and encourages the routine disclosure of information to the public without requiring a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request under Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
If you require access to information held by Dysart, contact the department directly that holds the records. If the information is not directly available through the department, a written formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request can be made under MFIPPA.
Dysart protects the privacy of individuals with respect to the personal information it collects and maintains. MFIPPA provides a right of access to information for records in the custody and control of the Municipality, with certain limitations in order to protect personal and sensitive information.
Public Records
Public records are available to anyone and can be released without a formal request.
Examples of public records include:
- Council and Committee meetings
- By-Laws
- Policies and procedures
- Planning records
- Budget documents
Many reports and records are freely available. Search our website or contact the department responsible for the document first to see if you can access the record without making a formal request. If you are not sure which department holds the records, you can call the office at 705-457-1740 or email info@dysartetal.ca to speak with someone about your request.
Building and Septic Permit Records
The Municipality has a File Search Application process in place to assist individuals who are seeking information or copies of documents pertaining to historic building or septic permits. Examples of these requests include septic installation reports, occupancy permits, copies of drawings, inspection reports, and more.
Please complete the online File Search Application and submit with payment for your request to be processed in a timely manner.
If you are unable to complete the online application linked above, please print and fill out the application form, and submit it to the Building Department (building@dysartetal.ca), with the applicable payment.
Surveys
Surveys are copyrighted material and the Municipality is not the appropriate source for accurate records. It is highly recommended that you use the services of the online registry office for the most up to date property information. You can visit https://www.onland.ca/ui/ to search for surveys that have been registered on title. You can also use this source to look up all current deeds and instruments tied to a property. If you commissioned an original survey and you wish to obtain true copies, please contact the creator of the record being the Architect, Consultant, Engineer or Surveyor.
Freedom of Information Requests
| How to submit a Freedom of Information Request | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Requests may be submitted in person or by mail and require a minimum $5 application fee. We will not begin processing FOI requests until payment has been received.
There are a number of ways to submit your request:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Request fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
MFIPPA provides for a mandatory $5 application fee which must accompany each request for information. Requests cannot be initiated until the $5 fee is received. Additional fees may be charged under Section 45 of the Act. The $5 application fee cannot be waived and is non-refundable. Personal Information Requests:If an individual is requesting their own personal information (as defined under the Act), the request is considered a "personal information request". The following fees may apply to requests for personal information:
General Information Requests:Requests for information about a person other than yourself, property, or about a municipal service, program or activity are considered "general information requests" and have different fees than for personal information requests. The following fees apply for requests for general information:
Fee EstimatesIf it is anticipated that fees are more than $25, you will be given a fee estimate. If the estimate of fees to be paid is $100 or more, you may be required to pay a 50% deposit. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How we process Freedom of Information Requests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
We begin to processing your requests after the completed form and payment is received by our office. We have 30 days to respond. For requests that involve a large number of records, an extensive search, or consultation with an external third party, the time may be extended. Requesters will be advised of a time extension.
Due to privacy concerns, records will not be sent electronically. When your request is complete and records ready, you will have the option to pick them up at the Dysart Municipal Office or have them mailed. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How to appeal the Municipality's decision | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Requesters have the right to appeal the Municipality's decision about their request to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC). The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent body which makes impartial decisions under the Act.
To file an appeal, requesters should write to the Commissioner and request a review of the Municipality's decision within 30 calendar days of receiving their decision letter. The following items also need to be submitted with the appeal: a copy of the original request for information, a copy of the Municipality's decision letter, and an appeal fee of $25 ($10 for personal information requests). Requesters may also file an appeal online. For more information, please visit https://www.ipc.on.ca/en/resources/forms/file-an-appeal.
The Commissioner's Office is located at: 2 Bloor St East, Suite 1400
More information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the IPC's official website at www.ipc.on.ca. |
Protection of Privacy
Protecting your personal information and privacy is very important to Dysart.
Under MFIPPA, we cannot collect your personal information unless we are legally authorized to do so. Dysart cannot use your personal information except as permitted under the Act. Without your permission, personal information can only be used for the purpose for which it was collected or a consistent purpose.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about access to municipal records and the protection of your privacy.
Correcting Personal Information
If you think that personal information Dysart has about you is wrong or missing information, you have the right to make a correction. Depending on the information, you may be able to make the correction by contacting the department directly.
If you cannot make a correction with the department, you can request a correction by filling out our online form. After the form has been successfully submitted, please contact the Deputy Treasurer to arrange for payment of the $5 application fee.
Contact Us
Subscribe to this Page