Freedom of Information
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is a way for you to ask the Town of New Tecumseth for records that are in the custody and control of the Town. The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) states that an individual has a right to access certain information kept by the Town, and that the Town must protect personal and proprietary information in its custody.
Download the printable FOI request form or the fillable PDF request form.
Please note: You cannot sign or send the fillable PDF request form unless it has first been downloaded to your device/computer.
If you are looking for information, start by contacting the department responsible for the records and ask them for the information. If you do not know which department to speak to, call 705-435-3900 and our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to assist you.
For information on how to get building plans, property surveys, or structural/engineering/architectural drawings, please visit the building plans and property surveys page.
There is a lot of information available on the Town's website as well, including Council Agendas and Minutes, By-laws, Applications and Forms, and various Plans, Studies, and Reports.
Routine Disclosure of Records |
Some records can be requested directly from their departments, without submitting a formal Freedom of Information request. Examples of records that are routinely disclosed include:
Access a complete list of what records may be disclosed, including who can request those records. To make a request, complete the Routine Disclosure Application Form and send it to the relevant department. |
Making a Freedom of Information Request |
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request must be made in writing. You will need to fill out an FOI request form: chose either the printable form or download the fillable PDF form. Please note: You cannot sign or send the fillable PDF request form unless it has first been downloaded to your device/computer. To complete the request, you will need to include:
Completed request forms can be emailed or delivered to the Town Administration Centre at 10 Wellington St E, Alliston. The application fee can be paid over the phone by VISA or MasterCard, or in person at 10 Wellington St E, Alliston. |
Additional Fees |
All FOI requests require a $5.00 application fee payable to the Town of New Tecumseth. Additional costs for searching, preparing, printing, and shipping may apply. Fees are set out in MFIPPA:
Additional fees that may apply include:
If the fee will be in excess of $100, an estimate letter will be provided. If you wish to continue with your request, a 50% deposit will be required for the Town to proceed. |
Timelines |
Under MFIPPA, the Town has 30 days to respond to your request. The response will either provide the requested information or explain why that information cannot be disclosed. The 30 day deadline may be extended if, for example, large volumes of records are involved or if third parties need to be consulted. |
Exemptions |
Some records or parts of the records may not be publicly accessed based on requirements set out by MFIPPA. These exemptions are limited, specific, and protect the rights of another person or organization. If the Town is unable to disclose a record, or part of a record, we will specifically state within our decision letter which exemption(s) apply and provide the relevant section(s) of MFIPPA for your information. |
Completing Your Request |
Once your FOI request has been completed and all outstanding balances paid, staff will provide a decision letter. The decision letter will advise if any records have been found, whether access has been granted or denied, and explain any exemptions that may apply. If records have been found and access has been granted, they may be released to you in one of three ways: 1. You may pick up your records in person at 10 Wellington St East, Alliston. 2. You may request to have your records mailed to you via Canada Post. 3. You may request to have your records delivered electronically via email or OneDrive. Please note: Electronic delivery of records must be requested when the application is submitted. Method of delivery (email or OneDrive) is subject to the size of the request. For records mailed to you via Canada Post that exceed Canada Post's weight allowances, a courier may be arranged for pick up at your expense. |
Correcting Your Personal Information |
Personal information is defined by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as: "Recorded information about an identifiable individual, including but not limited to,
If you believe there is an error or omission in your personal information, you can complete a Freedom of Information request form to:
The right of correction applies only to personal information to which an individual has been provided access. |
Right to Appeal |
If you are not satisfied with the decision by the Town, you may appeal the decision to the Information Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) within 30 days of receipt of the decision letter and request a review. The appeal fee is $25 and must be sent to: Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario If you have any questions regarding the appeal process, please contact the IPC. |
If you require more information on the FOI process, you can email the Coordinator of Records & Information or call us at 705-435-3900.