Support this work
Council Watch is run by one local volunteer. Your support pays the town's fees for records requests and the tools used to read through thousands of pages of records and hours of meeting video.
How to give
Council Watch is not a registered charity, so donations are not tax-deductible and no tax receipts can be issued.
What your money pays for
- Records requests. Some records are only released through a formal request under Ontario's access-to-information law (MFIPPA). The town charges for these.
- Appeals. When a request is refused, an appeal to the Information and Privacy Commissioner has its own fee.
- Running costs. Website, AI and transcription tools, printing, and a legal check of the site.
| Records request costs | Fee |
|---|---|
| File one records request | $5 |
| Town staff time to search for records | $7.50 per 15 minutes |
| Town staff time to prepare records | $7.50 per 15 minutes |
| Paper copies | $0.20 per page |
| Appeal to the Information and Privacy Commissioner | $25 |
Fees set by Ontario Regulation 823 under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Big requests can cost hundreds of dollars in staff time.
Where the money goes
Every dollar in and out. Donor names are never listed unless the donor asks to be named. Amounts in Canadian dollars. Last updated October 27, 2026.
Money received
| Month | Donations | Total |
|---|---|---|
| No donations yet. | ||
Money spent
| Date | Type | What | Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2026 | Records request | Request #1: Strathroy-Caradoc Housing Corporation and Caradoc Place records | $5.00 | fee due Decision due about Nov 24, 2026 |
| October 25, 2026 | Records request | Request #2: Mount Brydges sewage plant, consultants and funding records | $5.00 | fee due Decision due about Nov 24, 2026 |
| October 25, 2026 | Records request | Request #3: Lawsuits, legal costs and insurance records | $5.00 | fee due Decision due about Nov 24, 2026 |
| October 25, 2026 | Records request | Request #4: Governance, senior staff, fire department pay and meeting accessibility records | $5.00 | fee due Decision due about Nov 24, 2026 |
Expenses paid out of pocket before donations started are listed too, so the full cost is visible.
Donor rules
These rules keep Council Watch independent:
- No money from people with a stake. No donations from council members, candidates or their campaigns, town staff, or anyone with business in front of council, such as developers and contractors. If it arrives anyway, it is sent back.
- Donations don't buy anything. Donors don't pick topics, don't see reports early, and can't change what a report says.
- Anonymous gifts are capped at $100.
- Your name stays private unless you ask to be thanked by name.
Other ways to help
- Send a tip or a document. Email john.v.farrugia@gmail.com. Your name is never shared without your permission.
- Go to a council meeting and share your notes.
- File your own records request. Ask for the template and we will help.
- Share a report with a neighbour who would want to know.