The Alberta Access to Information Act (ATIA) and Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) aim to strike a balance between the public’s right to know information and protecting confidential information required to ensure effective operations of the Town of Cochrane (the Town).
The Access to Information Act (ATIA) allows a right of access to any person to the records in the custody and control of the Town, subject to limited and specific exceptions. The Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) controls the manner in which the Town collects and uses the personal information gathered from individuals for the services and programs provided by the Town. The ATIA allows individuals the right to access and correct personal information about themselves held by the Town.
There is also provision for independent review of decisions made by the Town under the legislation.
The Acts are meant to complement existing practices for the release of information. Public bodies routinely release readily available information, so an access to information request is not always required.
Property information requests
Registered owners can access their property information without going through an Access to Information request. Please complete the form through the Planning Department.
If you are not the registered owner, you must provide us with the owners written permission to access this information.
FOIP/ATI Releases and Statistics
In 2023, the Town of Cochrane began to post Freedom of Information (FOIP) releases where possible. This will continue under the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
Submitting a Request for Information under the Access to Information Act (ATIA)
You may contact the ATI Office at ATI@cochrane.ca or 403-932-2674 before submitting your request. We may be able to assist you by:
- letting you know if the information you want is public information and can be accessed without a request or fee
- helping you clarify your request before you file it, which may reduce the costs of your request and or the time to process it
To submit a request for information, complete the application below: