Accessing Information Under the Access to Information Act (ATIA)
About ATIA & POPA
On June 11, 2025, the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) came into force, effectively replacing and repealing the former Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).
These provincial acts aim to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy regarding records held by the County.
Summary of the Privacy Legislation
- You have the right to request access to records held by the County, subject to limited and specific exceptions.
- You have the right to access information that the County has about you.
- You have the right to request the County to correct personal information it has about you.
- The Act controls the way in which the County may collect personal information from you, controls the use that the County may make of your personal information and controls how the County can disclose information about you.
- You have the right to request independent review of any issue related to the ATIA or the POPA by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Collecting Personal Information
The County will collect only the minimal personal information necessary for the operation of municipal programs and/or services in accordance with privacy legislation. Personal information is retained only as long as it is required to meet legislative or operational requirements. Examples of personal information that could be requested (depending on the program or service) include, but are not limited to the following:
- Age
- Banking information
- Credit card details
- Date of birth
- Home or business address
- Marital status
- Name
- Number of dependents
Programs that May Collect Information
The County endeavours to ensure that all personal information in its custody or control remains private in accordance with legislation and is collected, used, retained, or disclosed for the intended purposes. The county will clearly identify the intended use for this type of information on corporate forms, website(s), and/or brochures. Examples of programs or operations which may collect personal information may include:
- Program or event registration
- Youth activities
- Family aide
- Contractual agreements
- Tax installment payment plan
Disclosing Personal Information
The county will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Access to Information Act (ATIA). Circumstances may include but are not limited to written consent by the owner of the personal information, identified internal program(s), department use or requirement(s) or permission to do so by law.
Accessing information under the ATIA
If you would like to make a request for information under the ATIA, you may complete the application form. If you are making a request for general information, there is an initial fee of $25. Additional fees may be charged for processing costs in excess of $150. There is no fee for a request for personal information unless the cost of producing copies exceeds $10. The request must provide sufficient detail to enable the County to identify the record(s) you require. Please make your request is as specific as possible so we are able to identify the record you are requesting.
To request personal information:
- Describe the information about yourself that you wish to be disclosed.
- Include dates, names, aliases, file numbers, etc.
- Sign the form.
- Provide to the County office at the contact information below.
You will be required to provide proof of identity before records containing your personal information are released. There is no fee for personal information unless photocopying charges exceed $10.
Send Requests to:
Woodlands County
PO Box 60
Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N3
Attention: ATI Coordinator
Fax: 780-778-8402
Email: tracy.mindus@woodlands.ab.ca
Upon receipt of your completed Form and initial application fee, the ATI Coordinator will respond to your request within 30 business days. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) may permit additional time if required (e.g. to contact third parties or to compile a large volume of requested documents).
You will also be informed whether the information can be released in whole or with redacted portions; cannot be released; or whether an extension is required to process large volumes of records and/or consult with third parties.
If it is determined that the information cannot be released, you will be provided with an explanation.
You will be contacted with an estimate of the costs of producing copies and additional processing costs, if applicable.