Index of Exorbitant Cost Estimates Provided for Freedom of Information in British Columbia
In 2024 and on, there have been string of exorbitant Freedom of Information Cost Estimates provided to British Columbians seeking transparency and accountability from their government.
Are these mere isolated incidents, or are they part of a wider pattern of government entities using financial barriers to prevent access to information to the public?
This page will document and index this alarming pattern.
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Youbou homeowner astounded with huge bill from BC Assessment – Cowichan Valley Citizen “Andy Ross, an 80-year-old homeowner living on a fixed income in Youbou, has been charged $1,930 by BC Assessment just to access records related to his own property assessment appeal.”
BC Housing estimates charging an outrageous $1768.50 combined, for 3 Freedom of Information Requests to do with basic financial and other information regarding payments to a registered lobbying organization that represents development and real estate interests. – CRD Watch Homepage
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) determined that $1768.50 combined, for 3 Freedom of Information Requests is a reasonable cost estimate – no reconsideration was allowed by the OIPC. The estimated cost is now up to $1,876.50. – CRD Watch Homepage
BC Housing Launched a Quasi-Judicial Attempt to Deny me Access to Information. They Failed. – CRD Watch Homepage
District of Saanich: “I have determined that while the records concerning the Procurement Law Office may be of interest to you, there is not evidence to indicate this matter has an impact on the wider community.” – The Procurement Law Office’s advice was cited at a council meeting as justification to award senior district staff the ability to award millions in contracts without the approval of elected officials. – CRD Watch Homepage
The District of Saanich is hiding how much it paid the Procurement Law Office behind solicitor client privilege. – CRD Watch Homepage
Central Saanich Hires Lawyers to Hide Legal Bill from Lawyers, and McHattie Farm FOI Requests Triggers Escalation, Intimidation, and a $1,410 Barrier by Barry McLean – CRD Watch Homepage
I made an FOI request regarding the City Manager’s Office of the City of Victoria, with and regards, the UDI a registered lobbying group for corporate real estate and development interests. The City of Victoria estimates charging me over $700 for that information. – CRD Watch Homepage
The CRD wants to charge me an estimated $360 to find out what trees have been cut down in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park during the last 2 years. – CRD Watch Homepage
CRD Denies Free Access to Information that is in the Public Interest, regarding felled trees in Elk/Beaver Lake; claims they can pick and choose who can receive such information at lowered cost. – CRD Watch Homepage
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See also:
Petition · That Section 13 of British Columbia’s Freedom of Information Legislation FOIPPA be removed – Canada · Change.org
BC MLAs that are not Ministers, are not subject to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) requirements. – CRD Watch Homepage
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), has concluded that the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is not subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act – CRD Watch Homepage
BC Government Accused of a Stealth Attack on Freedom of Information | The Tyee
B.C. NDP no longer cares about access to information – Victoria Times Colonist
I made an FOI to the BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs regarding proposed Bill M216. The OIPC granted them a half year extension. – CRD Watch Homepage
Content from BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs FOI, deemed a refusal by the OIPC, reveals that in May 2021, the BC government invited UDI lobbyists for confidential consultations about public hearings (reducing them) and delegating some local government decision-making from elected officials to staff. – CRD Watch Homepage
Newsroom
NDP Used to Care about FOI Laws—not anymore, say BC Greens
2026 Bill 9 Weakens Access in BC
CRD Watch Homepage 