Alberta has introduced updated legislation governing access to information and the protection of personal privacy, which now applies to municipalities, including the MD of Taber. On June 11, 2025, The Access to Information Act (ATIA) and The Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) officially took effect, replacing The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). These laws are designed to balance the public’s right to access government-held information with individuals’ rights to privacy.
Summary of POPA
- This legislation sets out how the MD of Taber is permitted to collect, use, and share your personal information.
- It outlines conditions under which non-personal information can be generated, used, or shared by public bodies.
- You have the right to request updates or corrections to personal details held by the MD of Taber.
- If you believe your personal information was collected, used, or shared improperly, you may file a privacy complaint.
Summary of ATIA
- You are entitled to request access to records maintained by the MD of Taber, subject to certain exceptions.
- You have the right to view any personal information the MD of Taber holds about you.
MD of Taber ATIA contact information
ATIA Coordinator
MD of Taber
4900B - 50 Street
Taber, AB T1G 1T2
Phone: 403-223-3541
Fax: 403-223-1799
Email: foip@mdtaber.ab.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Additional resources
- Access to Information Act
- Protection of Privacy Act
- Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
- Municipal Government Act
- Health Information Act
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
Learn more about Corporate Services.
Before You Submit a Request
Before You Submit a Request
Many records are already publicly accessible or shared regularly. You may not need to submit a formal access request.
Available Online
- Information considered to be of public interest is posted on the MD of Taber website and social media platforms.
- Updates and information are regularly shared via newsletters and public reports.
- The MD of Taber Interactive Map provides detailed geographic and property information.
Available Upon Request
A large number of the MD of Taber records can be accessed without a formal ATIA request. Residents are encouraged to contact the relevant department directly. Fees may apply under the ATIA Act.
Requesting Access to or Correct Information
When submitting a request, be as specific as possible. Include:
- Details of the records you wish to access
- The department or business unit holding the records
- The relevant time period
Accessing Information Outside of ATIA
| Document Type | Release Requirements |
|---|---|
| Building permit information | Records are reviewed for exceptions under ATIA; release may be full or partial. |
| Drawings and plans | Viewable; copying requires written permission from the creator. Oversized plans may require commercial reproduction at the requestor's expense. |
| Real Property Reports | Reviewed for ATIA exceptions; residential property reports usually do not contain sensitive information. |
| Assessment Roll Information | Available for inspection at the MD of Taber office (viewing only). |
| Tax and Utility Account Information | Released only to registered owners or authorized individuals. |
| Contact information for residents | Released only for the purposes for which it was collected. Other uses prohibited. |
Additional Special Cases
- Cemetery Records: Personal info is generally not released until 25 years after death.
- Complainants: Personal info of complainants is not released unless required to resolve the issue.
- Bylaw Infractions: The MD of Taber does not disclose individual bylaw tickets or notices.
- Contract Information: May be released in severed form to protect business interests.
How to Make a Request
Requests for copies of municipal records or to review a file must be submitted in writing to the Public Information Officer using the Access to Information (ATIA) Request Form. Requests can be submitted:
- In person
- By mail
- By email
- By fax
Access to Information Request Form (PDF)
Information Required on the Form:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the applicant
- Sufficient details to identify the requested public record
- Date of submission
Fees for Access to Records
The following fees apply to most access to information requests under the Access to Information Act (ATIA):
- Initial Request Fee: $25.00 per request.
- Exemption: There is no fee when requesting access to your own personal information.
- Payment is required with the submission of the request and can be made by cash, cheque, or debit card.
- Copies: Black and white copies on standard letter-sized paper are $0.25 per page.
- Mailing/Postage: Costs include actual postage and the shipping container.
- Other Media: Any requested records in alternative formats will be charged at actual material costs.
- Large Requests:
- Requests where the estimated cost of time and materials exceeds $150.00 will receive an estimate invoice.
- Applicants must provide a 50% deposit of the estimated final cost before processing begins.
- Large requests may also require additional time to complete.
- Additional Fees: Other fees may apply as adopted by the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
Response Time
Within 5 business days of receiving your request
(Please note: the five-day period begins on the first business day after the request is received), the Public Information Officer will do one or more of the following:
- Acknowledge receipt of your request and provide a reasonable estimate of when the records may be available;
- Request clarification if the application is unclear or incomplete.
Within 30 calendar days of receiving your request, the Public Body will take one or more of the following actions:
- Provide a fee estimate where the expected processing cost exceeds $150.00, and request a 50% deposit before continuing.
- Deny the request and provide written reasons for the refusal;
- Provide copies of the requested records, in full or with information severed (removed), along with an explanation for any severing;
- Arrange an appointment for the applicant to review the records, where applicable.
Release of Records
Records will be disclosed unless specific exemptions or prohibitions apply under the Access to Information Act or other applicable legislation. Where information is withheld, the Public Body will provide the legislative reason(s) for the refusal or severing.
Responses may provide the information requested or explain why it cannot be disclosed. The deadline can be extended for large or complex requests.
Reasons a Record May Be Withheld or a Request Denied
Under Alberta’s Access to Information Act, a record may be fully or partially withheld for the following common reasons:
Protection of personal information
Records containing personal information about identifiable individuals may be exempt from disclosure to protect privacy, unless disclosure is authorized under the Act.
Third-party information
If requested records contain information that may affect the rights, business interests, or personal information of a third party, the request may be subject to third-party notification. In such cases, the Public Body may notify the affected party before releasing any information. The applicant’s personal information is kept confidential and is not disclosed to third parties.
Commercial use of records
The municipality does not disclose lists of individuals for commercial or solicitation purposes (such as for real estate marketing or contractor advertising) where such disclosure is restricted under the Act.
Withdrawn or abandoned requests
A request may be considered abandoned and closed if the applicant withdraws the request or fails to meet obligations under the Act, including:
- inspecting records within the required timeframe,
- paying any required deposit, or
- making final payment for copies within 30 days of notification.
In such cases, the applicant will be notified that the request has been closed.
