Municipal Freedom of Information
& Protection of Privacy Act 

The Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act establishes a process for the public to gain access to records in the care and control of the City Clerk. The Corporate Support Services Department is the coordinator of the process for access of municipal records for the City of St. Catharines.

View the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act.

Informal Access to Records

Many records of The City of St. Catharines are available without making a request under the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act. The City's corporate records coordinator can help determined if a formal request should be submitted.

Email the Clerks Division.

Description of Records or Correction Request

When making a request for information, provide as much detail as possible about the requested general records including specific timelines, your personal information and that of others, including corrections to your own information. Ensure that proper names are used and where necessary provide supporting documentation.

Download the Access/Correction Request application form.

 Payment and Fees

A $5 application fee is required. Cash payments must be made in person. Make your cheque payable to the City of St. Catharines. The fee for requested documents is $7.50 per quarter hour of time used for research and preparation. Document copies are charged at the rate of .20 cents per page. Computer programming, if needed to develop and retrieve information is $15 per quarter hour.

 Appeal

The Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act allows individuals the right to appeal any decision made by the City relating to access of records or personal information. Appeals are filed with the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) of Ontario who is an officer of the Ontario legislature and is independent of the government or any institution. 

Visit the IPC website for more information, or download the appeal form.