The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act gives the public a right to access records held by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) with limited exceptions, while protecting personal privacy. The Act also regulates how the RDOS collects, uses and discloses personal information in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities and program operations.

Access to Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Records

Routine Requests

Most information such as agendas, minutes, bylaws, and policies are available on the RDOS website or upon request. Please contact the appropriate department for specific information.

Formal Requests for Records

If the information you are seeking is not routinely available, a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request must be submitted in writing in person, by mail, email, or fax to:

Please make your request clear, specific, and concise to reduce processing times and possible fees. Indicate in your request, the date range for the records you are seeking and whether you would like to receive the records by email, regular mail, or pick-up.

Manager of Legislative Services/Freedom of Information Head
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
101 Martin Street
Penticton, BC V2A 5J9
Fax: 250-492-0063

You can use the FOI Request Form, but you are not required to use the form to make a formal request. Requests for access to records must be accompanied by an application fee of $10.00 in accordance with the RDOS Fees and Charges bylaw.

The Act allows a maximum of 30 business days to respond to your request, except in specific cases where an extension may be necessary. Fees may be charged for the information requested. If payment is required, you will be provided an estimate before your request is processed.

Fees

In addition to the application fee, the Act provides under Section 75 that the District may charge fees for the costs of providing applicants with records. Commercial applicants must pay the actual cost of providing the service. The charge for non-commercial applicants is $7.50 per quarter hour after the first three hours for locating, retrieving and preparing records for disclosure. Additional fees such as photocopying and shipping also apply.

If there are costs involved in processing a formal request, we will send you a fee estimate before processing your application. Applicants are encouraged to maintain open communication with the Manager of Legislative Services in order to understand the application of the fee schedule.  

For a list of fees and charges please refer to Fees and Charges Bylaw 

Request a review

The Act outlines exceptions to the information the RDOS can release. If you are unsatisfied with the response you have the right to request, in writing, a review to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
PO Box 9038 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9A4
Fax: 250-387-1696

Additional info

Questions or concerns about the FOI process can be directed to:

Christy Malden, Manager of Legislative Services
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
250-490-4146