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London freedom of information requests: routes, fees and timelines
London, Ontario, Canada
First check whether London has a direct route for the record you need. A formal municipal freedom-of-information request requires a $5 fee.
Key information
First check whether London has a direct route for the record you need. A formal municipal freedom-of-information request requires a $5 fee. The city states a 45 business-day decision period effective July 1, 2026.
On this page
Formal request fees on the city page
| Charge | General records | Your own personal information |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $5 mandatory | $5 mandatory |
| Search time | $7.50 per 15 minutes | Not listed for personal requests |
| Record preparation | $7.50 per 15 minutes | Not listed for personal requests |
| Photocopying | $0.20 perpage | $0.20 perpage |
| Computer programming | $15 per 15 minutes | $15 per 15 minutes |
| NSF cheque | $40 | $40 |
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Key checks at a glance
- Direct record routes before a formal request
Building and Zoning provide paid property searches and letters through a separate process.
- Describe and submit the request
Use the access/correction form or write a letter expressly requesting records under MFIPPA.
- Estimates, deposits and decisions
If anticipated fees reach $25, the city gives an estimate.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Direct record routes before a formal request
Building and Zoning provide paid property searches and letters through a separate process. Fire incident records can be requested directly from fireforms@london.ca or 519-661-4565. Frequently requested by-laws and earlier zoning information go to docservices@london.ca. Open datasets have a separate open-data route.
An environmental site-assessment request about building or zoning goes to building@london.ca; subdivision or site-plan questions use Development Services. Check the record type before paying the formal application fee. A direct route can have its own charge.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Describe and submit the request
Use the access/correction form or write a letter expressly requesting records under MFIPPA. Identify the records clearly enough for staff to search; relevant dates, service and subject help define the scope. Submit online, in person or by mail to the City Clerk’s Office,300 Dufferin Avenue.
The portal requires Visa, Mastercard or Visa debit before submission. A mailed request needs the $5 fee by cheque payable to City of London Treasurer; do not mail cash. Application fees cannot be waived. Additional charges may follow.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Estimates, deposits and decisions
If anticipated fees reach $25, the city gives an estimate. At $100 or more, it may ask for a 50% deposit before processing. A broad general-record request can therefore cost more than the initial $5.
The current city notice says the statutory period changed from 30 calendar days to 45 business days on July 1, 2026. The decision can release everything, release part or deny access under applicable exemptions. Read the response for the decision and appeal route to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Records the city does not hold
The city explicitly directs requests for London Police, London Transit Commission, London Middlesex Community Housing, Middlesex-London Health Unit and Ontario Disability Support Program records to those institutions or the relevant provincial ministry. A city form cannot retrieve another institution’s files merely because they concern London.
Downtown camera footage is normally retained 72 hours unless requisitioned. Do not assume older footage exists. Privacy protection can limit access to another person’s information even where a city record exists.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
City Clerk record-request location
London City Clerk records office
300 Dufferin Avenue, London, Ontario, Canada
City Hall accepts formal access requests during business hours. Confirm the service counter with staff because the current page’s fee-table floor reference differs from other Clerk service pages.
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Sources: Freedom of Information Requests
Questions and answers
Is every city record free through FOI?
No. A $5 application fee is mandatory and further search, preparation or copying fees can apply.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
What is the city’s stated current decision timeframe?
45 business days, following the July 1, 2026 change noted on the city page.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
Can I request a building permit letter directly?
Yes. Property information has a separate Building and Zoning route and fee schedule.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
Where do fire incident requests go?
fireforms@london.ca or 519-661-4565.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
When is a fee estimate supplied?
When anticipated fees are $25 or more.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
When might a deposit be needed?
At an estimate of $100 or more, a 50% deposit may be required.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
Does personal-information search have the same fee table?
No. The city’s personal-request table does not list general search or preparation fees, but does list application, copying and programming fees.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
Can I use city FOI to obtain police files?
No. Request London Police Service records from that institution.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
How long is ordinary downtown camera footage retained?
The city says 72 hours unless the record has been requisitioned.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests
What if access is refused?
The decision letter explains the appeal process to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Source: Freedom of Information Requests