Richmond Bylaw Data Request - Publication & Correction

Technology and Data British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Richmond, British Columbia maintains an Open Data program that accepts requests to publish datasets or correct existing records held by the city. This guide explains who to contact, what information to provide, expected processing steps, and how complaints or correction requests intersect with access-to-information procedures. Use the steps below to submit clear requests, preserve evidence, and escalate where required. If your request concerns personal information you believe is incorrect, the province's access and privacy framework may apply.

City of Richmond Open Data program[1] is the first point of contact for dataset publication or correction requests. For published datasets, Richmond also hosts an open data catalogue at opendata.richmond.ca[2] where individual dataset pages may include update notes and metadata.

Contact the Open Data team first with dataset identifiers and a clear description of the correction needed.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Open Data program is an administrative service; the city does not publish criminal or bylaw fine schedules specifically tied to dataset publication or correction on the Open Data pages. Where a dataset or published record violates a separate statutory bylaw (for example, misuse of restricted data or breaches of licensing terms), enforcement would follow the controlling bylaw or statute cited on those pages. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for dataset publication or data correction failures are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcer: Corporate Services (Open Data team) and the City Clerk for records management; complaints may be routed to By-law Enforcement or the appropriate enforcing department if a separate bylaw is implicated.
  • Inspection/Review: Administrative review by Open Data staff; technical validation and metadata checks are applied to dataset updates.
  • Appeal/Review: Internal review, then formal access-to-information complaint routes under provincial legislation where personal information is at issue; time limits for provincial FOI appeals are not specified on the cited city pages.[3]
  • Fines/Escalation: Not specified on the cited page; see the relevant bylaw or statute if enforcement involves regulatory contraventions.
If an error affects personal information, request correction and note the date you reported it.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a separate universal "dataset correction" form on the Open Data landing page; requests are typically submitted by email or web contact as described on the Open Data program page. For access-to-information or formal correction of personal information, use the City of Richmond FOI guidance and any FOI request form referenced there.[3]

How to request publication or correction

Provide the Open Data team with clear identifiers and supporting documentation so staff can verify, validate and process the request promptly. Below are practical steps and responsible contacts.

Action steps

  1. Identify the dataset: give the dataset title, URL, dataset ID, and a description of the change you want.
  2. Contact Open Data via the official program contact on the City site and include screenshots or examples showing the issue.
  3. Ask for an estimated timeline and any staging dates for republishing.
  4. Provide authoritative supporting documents if the correction affects legal or personal information.
  5. If unsatisfied, escalate to the City Clerk or follow the FOI complaint/appeal process for personal information disputes.
Keep copies of all correspondence and the original dataset snapshot when you report an error.

FAQ

How long does a correction take?
The City does not publish standard processing times for open data corrections on the program page; response times vary by complexity and verification needs.[1]
Who enforces data accuracy?
Corporate Services (Open Data team) maintains published datasets; enforcement of unrelated bylaw violations is handled by the respective enforcing department or By-law Enforcement.
Do I need to file an FOI request to correct personal information?
Not always; report the issue to the Open Data team first. For formal correction of personal information, the City FOI guidance applies and may require a specific FOI submission.[3]

How-To

  1. Locate the dataset page on the City catalogue or Open Data portal and copy the dataset identifier or URL.
  2. Draft a clear email describing the required publication or correction, attach evidence, and send it to the Open Data contact listed on the City Open Data page.[1]
  3. Request an acknowledgement and an estimated turnaround; follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time.
  4. If the dataset includes personal information you believe is incorrect, submit a formal FOI correction request following the City FOI guidance.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Open Data team and provide precise dataset identifiers.
  • Provide supporting documents to speed verification.
  • Use FOI routes for formal corrections to personal information if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Richmond Open Data program
  2. [2] Richmond open data catalogue
  3. [3] City of Richmond - Access to Information / FOI

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