Freedom of Information Application

Before you Submit this Form

The City only processes freedom of information applications when the information requested is not available to the requestor in another manner. Freedom of Information requests should not be submitted for information that is already available on the City's website, from a department by request available through routine disclosure, or for information that is held by other governments or agencies.

Please know that only existing records can be disclosed in response to a freedom of information request. Legislation does not require the City to create a new record, analyze information or provide answers to questions in response to a freedom of information request.

Instructions

Please review and fill out all required fields in this application.
Submit a separate freedom of information application for each information request. Do not group multiple requests in one application.
Ensure your name and contact information is correct. We will use this information to acknowledge your request, seek clarification where necessary and to disclose records to you.
Please be as concise and detailed as possible.
A non-refundable $5.00 application fee is due prior to the processing of a request. We accept cash, cheque and credit card. Cash payments can be made in person at City Hall, 50 Church Street, on the third floor, Clerk's Department. Credit card payments can be made by calling (905)688-5600 ext. 1517. Cheque payments payable to the City of St. Catharines can be mailed to: ATTN Legal and Clerks Services, P.O Box 3012, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2.

What to Expect

When you submit your application, you will receive:

a confirmation email that your application has been received;
an acknowledgment from the person(s) processing the request; and
a decision on access will be issued in writing. According to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as of July 1, 2026 a decision must be made within 45 business days of the request, subject to specific extensions.

Copyright Requirements

The Federal Copyright Act provides that the disclosure of a record pursuant to a request made under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is not a violation of copyright. This means that copies of architectural plans, drawings and / or specifications, may be provided in response to a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act unless another exemption applies to the records. Please note that the person, to whom the record is provided, is still bound by copyright.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about the Freedom of Information process, please contact privacy@stcatharines.ca

Requesters Information

First Name

Last Name

Company / Organization Name (If applicable)

Mailing Address

City

Province

Postal Code

Phone Number

Email Address

Details of Request

Type of Request

General Records

Correction of Personal Information (attach any supporting documents)

Your Own Personal Information

Another's Personal Information by Authorized Party (attach authorization document)

Preferred Method of Access to Records

Pick up copy of records in office

Receive copy of records by courier, nominal charges will apply

Receive records electronically. This entails receiving a link to the records that can be accessed via a Microsoft Account, and as such, the requester either has or intends to create a free Microsoft Account. The link remains accessible for 30 days

Please note: We will no longer be providing records electronically via e-mail for applications received as of January 1, 2023.

Description of Records Requested or Correction to be Made

Provide a detailed description of the requested records. Include the property address or personal information and / or incidents related to the subject of the request.

Time Period of the Records (if applicable)

From:

To:

Have you contacted a City Department with this request?

Yes

No

I will be making the processing fee payment of $5.00 by:

Cheque

Credit Card - by phone

Cash - In-office

Signature:

Clear

Date:

Notice of Collection of Personal Information

This form collects personal information under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990. The personal information will be used for the sole purpose of processing your freedom of information request. Questions about the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information may be directed to: privacy@stcatharines.ca