Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

Terms of use

Privacy and public information

The City of Dawson Creek (“the City”) is committed to operating its website as an effective method of communication with interested users. Part of that commitment is to explain what information may be collected and why, how it will be used, and who may have access to it. 

The City owns and operates this website as an information service to its residents and to the public generally. This website is a supplement to and not a replacement for, information available from the City administrative offices. All of the material provided on this website is the sole property of the City and cannot be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written permission of the City. The City reserves the right to determine what information shall and shall not be placed on this website, including linking and posting requests. 

The City is not responsible for any damages incurred, either directly or indirectly, from the use of this website or the materials provided herein. 

By using this website, you are agreeing to be bound by the current version of this Privacy Statement. The City reserves the right to change or modify this site at any time without notice. 

What information can I request?

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) applies to all records (i.e. all recorded information) that are under the custody or control of a public body.

It is important to note that the Act covers access to records and the information contained therein. It is NOT the intention of the Act that staff undertake compiled and summarized research in order to answer specific questions. Applicants are expected to conduct their own research from any records received from the City of Dawson Creek. 

List of typical records produced by a local government

How do I make a request?

There are two ways to request information from the City of Dawson Creek:

1. Informal Request via Routine Channels

Since almost all of the City's information is available through routine channels, you should always start by making an informal request. To do this, contact the department that you think might have the information you are looking for.

2. Formal FOI Request

If the information you are seeking is not available through routine channels, then you may make a formal FOI request. Your formal FOI request should be made in writing and provide sufficient detail to assist staff in locating and retrieving the records. You should also indicate whether you want to receive copies of the records or if you want to view the records in person. 

If you would like access to information held by the City that is not readily available on the City's website or through routine channels, you may submit a formal request by completing the Request for Access to Records form. Your request should clearly describe the records you are requesting; be kept as concise and focused as possible in order to reduce processing time.  You should also indicate whether you want to receive copies of the records or if you want to view the records in person.

To help reduce fees and to minimize taxpayer expense, please narrow the scope of your request as much as possible. Also, you should try to specify a date range as our records date back decades. 

You may deliver, mail, fax, or email your FOI request to the Corporate Officer.

Is there a fee to process to request?

Our fees are charged in accordance with the Schedule of Maximum Fees as established by the Act.

Informal Requests:

When you make an informal request for information, we may charge you a fee to cover costs in processing your request.

Formal FOI Requests:

The City of Dawson Creek does not charge fees for access to your own personal information, or for the first three hours spent searching for and retrieving the records. Fees may be charged to cover other charges relating to the cost of processing your FOI request (for example, map copies). For a full list of fees, read our Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw.

When applicable, a fee estimate will be sent to you before processing your request. You may also be required to provide a deposit.

The following fees apply for non-commercial applicants (i.e. private individuals):

• $7.50 per 1/4 hour ($30/hour) after the first 3 hours spent locating, retrieving and producing the requested records;
• $7.50 per 1/4 hour ($30/hour) to prepare records for disclosure (includes the time spent photocopying a reassembling files);
• $0.25 per page of regular photocopies provided; and
• shipping and handling charges (method chosen by applicant).

Commercial applicants are charged the actual cost of providing the services listed in Regulation 155/2012, subject to the restriction set out in section 75(2) of the Act.

How will the City of Dawson Creek respond to my request?

Informal Requests

When you make an informal request, we will respond to you as quickly as possible. Depending on the kind of information you are requesting, you may be able to get an answer over the phone. 

Formal FOI Requests

The Act includes several specific exemptions to disclosure, which means that, by law, certain types of records and information are to be protected and not made available to the public. Some exemptions are mandatory while others are exercised at the discretion of the Director of Corporate Administration, based on the relevant circumstances surrounding the request.

For example, reasons for refusing access to information held by the City of Dawson Creek are generally related to the protection of:

• personal privacy;
• business trade secrets or unit pricing;
• solicitor-client privilege;
• deliberations of Council and Council Committees that are authorized to be held in the absence of the public (i.e. closed or in-camera meetings);
• policy advice, staff recommendations, or draft regulations not yet made public;
• information that may harm a law enforcement matter (this includes bylaw enforcement matters);
• information that may harm the financial interests of the City of Dawson Creek or another public body.

If you do not get access to all of the information requested, you will be advised of the reasons for the refusal and the provision(s) of the Act on which the refusal is based. If you are not satisfied with how the City of Dawson Creek responds to your FOI request, you have the right to ask for a review by the British Columbia Information and Privacy Commissioner, an Officer of the legislature who is independent of the government. A decision of the Commissioner is final, subject to certain limited judicial reviews. 

How long does the request process take?

The Act requires that we respond to your request within 30 business days of our receipt of your request. We will make every effort to make the records available to you as soon as possible.

If you request is broad in scope, or if a large volume of records respond to your request, we may extend the time limit for responding under Section 10 of the Act for an additional 30 business days. For particularly large and difficult requests, we may apply to the British Columbia Information and Privacy Commissioner for an additional time extension. 

How is my personal information protected?

The Act protects personal privacy by restricting the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Please note that personal privacy rights extend only to private individuals, not businesses, societies, corporations, etc. 

When an individual makes an FOI request to the City of Dawson Creek, their personal information is protected and is not made public. 

Collection:

We only collect personal information when we have the clear authority to do so, or when the collection is related directly to and necessary for an operating program. When we are collecting personal information, we must do it directly from you, unless we have legal authority to collect the information from another source. These rules apply even if the personal information is held by another government body. 

Use and Disclosure:

Personal information must only be used for the purpose it was collected for, or for a use consistent with the reason it was collected.  We may also use or disclose personal information in others ways, but only if we have legal authority to do so.  We have security arrangements to protect personal information from unauthorized use or disclosure.