The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) regulates what information is made publicly available. The act:
- Grants individuals the right to request access to municipal government information, including records containing their own personal information
- Applies to municipal institutions, including municipal government, school boards, police services boards, conservation authorities, and public library boards
- Protects the privacy of individuals when it comes to their personal information held by these institutions
How to make a request
Complete the following form: Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act – Request Form
Submit your request in person or by mail to:
Clerk's Office
Email: clerk@meaford.ca
Address: 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario, Canada, N4L 1A1
It helps to make your request as specific as possible to get the information you need. A clear request helps us find what you are looking for and limits fees you will be charged.
FAQ
You will pay a $5 fee when you submit your request. This fee is non-refundable.
The following fees may also be applied:
- $0.20 per page for photocopying
- $7.50 for each 15 minutes of manual record search
- $7.50 for each 15 minutes spent preparing records
We will give you an estimate if fees are anticipated to be $25 or more. If the estimate is over $100, you will need to pay a 50% deposit.
We accept payment by cash, debit or credit. We do not accept personal cheques.
These fees are prescribed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Regulations and Guidelines for Municipalities and Local Boards.
Prior to July 1, 2026, MFIPPA required that requests be responded to within 30 calendar days. From July 1, 2026 onward, requesters will get results within 45 business days. If you are requesting a large number of records, or if it requires an extensive search or consultation with a third party, this timeline may be extended. We will let you know about any time extensions.
There is no way to expedite a request. We can make a note that your file is urgent, but we can’t guarantee a response time shorter than 45 business days.
Once your records are ready and you have paid your fees, your records will be mailed to you. You can pick them up at the Municipal Office (21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford). If you are requesting your own personal information, you will have to provide proof of your identity before you will get your records.
MFIPPA allows you to appeal decisions about access to records made by municipalities.
You must file yourAppeal Formwithin 30 calendar days after you receive the notice of the decision for any of the following reasons:
- A decision to extend the time limit for responding to a request
- A refusal to grant access to a record on the grounds that the record does not exist
- A refusal to grant access to a record on the grounds that the record is exempt from disclosure
- Granting access to only part of a record
- A refusal to confirm or deny the existence of a record that deals with law enforcement or would, if disclosed, be an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
- Granting a request for access to a record or part that may contain information where the disclosure may be an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
- A deemed refusal to grant access to records
- A refusal to make a correction to personal information
- The amount of a fee charged
- A refusal to waive a fee or a refusal to allow the requester to examine the original record