REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: April 19, 2022 Report No. ADM-22-011
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Deb Hopkins, Manager of Corporate Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Council Policy ADMIN-78: Requests for Access to Records - Development Services
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve Council Policy ADMIN-78: Requests for Access to Records - Development Services, as attached to Staff Report No. ADM-22-011.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Freedom of Information Bylaw, 2012, No. 2975
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Local Government Act
Community Charter
Copyright Act
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Excellence in Public Service: Engage, respect and respond to the needs of our community.
BACKGROUND:
The Township received feedback from both the development community and property owners that the process required to access more routine records that may be in the custody and control of the municipality was administratively cumbersome and resulting in uncertainty for building and development throughout the community from projects ranging from minor residential renovations to largescale development proposals. The community indicated that the Township's process was significantly different from that of our counterparts across the Capital Regional District.
Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, staff must balance the right of access to records with additional legislative requirements such as protection of privacy and copyright. The challenge with releasing items such as building plans and land surveys is that these documents are subject to the federal Copyright Act. Copies of copyrighted material may only be released subject to legislated requirements as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Previously the Township required a formal request for access to records (FOI request) adding layers of administration and additional costs for both the applicant and staff to respo...
Click here for full text