Submit a research agreement proposal so you can access restricted records.
It is a legal agreement between you and the City of Toronto. It allows you to see government records which may contain personal or sensitive information. In return, you agree to certain conditions, such as anonymizing personal information you may find in the records.
You should do one when you need to see a significant amount of archival records (more than five files) that are restricted under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Generally, you would submit a proposal if you are researching an academic thesis, a book, or other long-term research project.
This happens when you are searching for records in the Archives’ online database, and you keep finding records marked “Requires Review – Under Access and Privacy Legislation these government records require review prior to being made available to the public.” Any files marked “Requires Review” are restricted under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
To provide information to the Corporate Information Management Services – Access Unit so that they may evaluate and determine the researcher’s ability, judgement and competence to successfully and responsibly access personal information.
Yes, you need to file a Freedom of Information Request. Along with this form, you need to submit a list of the files that you want to see. This list can be created in the Archives’ online database. Additionally, you need to write a letter addressed to:
Corporate Information Management Services – Access Unit
100 Queen St. W., 13th Floor West,
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
You will receive a letter detailing the records you are approved to access, which must be presented at the Archives when you order any files or boxes. Your research agreement is valid for two years.