Report Open Data Error or API Bug - Vancouver Bylaw Data

Technology and Data British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia publishes municipal datasets and APIs for public use. If you find an error in a dataset or discover an API bug that affects bylaw data or other city information, this guide explains how to report it, what the City will typically need, and the official contacts to use. Include the dataset name or API endpoint, exact URLs, reproducible steps, and any screenshots or sample requests to help the City diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Provide the dataset URL and exact steps to reproduce the error.

Penalties & Enforcement

Open data errors and API bugs are technical problems rather than regulatory offences; the City’s open data pages do not specify monetary fines for reporting errors or for publishing incorrect data. Where the open data release affects regulatory processes, enforcement remains governed by the underlying bylaw or program — details are not specified on the cited open data pages.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: not specified; technical issues are typically triaged and fixed rather than prosecuted.
  • Non-monetary actions: corrections, data retractions, or notices on dataset pages are the usual remedies; court or bylaw enforcement actions follow the underlying bylaw if a regulatory breach is alleged.
  • Enforcer and contact: City of Vancouver Open Data team and 311 for service requests and referrals.[2]
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; where decisions follow a bylaw, standard appeal routes under that bylaw apply and will be published with that enforcement instrument.
Technical data corrections are resolved by the Open Data team or the dataset owner rather than by fines.

Applications & Forms

No separate enforcement or offence form is required to report a dataset error. The City’s Open Data contact methods (email or portal feedback) or 311 are the published submission routes; no public penalty appeal form is specified on the open data pages.

How to report an open data error or API bug

  1. Identify the dataset or API endpoint: copy the exact dataset title and URL or the API endpoint path.
  2. Describe the problem: expected vs actual results, reproducible steps, sample requests/responses, and timestamps.
  3. Attach evidence: screenshots, sample CSV or JSON files, and error logs where available.
  4. Send the report via the City Open Data contact or the dataset feedback function; if urgent or affecting services, call 311 for referral.City of Vancouver Open Data contact[1] Call 311 for municipal services[2]
  5. Ask for a ticket or reference number and keep copies of your correspondence for follow-up.
Keep sample requests and response logs to speed troubleshooting.

Action steps you can take

  • Report the dataset error using the Open Data contact form or email.
  • If the issue affects city services or public safety, call 311 and request escalation.
  • Follow up if you do not receive acknowledgement in a reasonable time; request a ticket number.

FAQ

How long will it take the City to fix an open data error?
Not specified on the cited page; timelines depend on the dataset owner, severity, and operational priorities.[1]
Who is responsible for correcting data?
The dataset owner within the City (often the service department that manages the data) with support from the Open Data team.[1]
Can I get compensated if a dataset error caused loss?
Not specified on the cited page; such claims are handled under general City policies and legal processes, not via the open data feedback channel.[1]

How-To

  1. Locate the dataset or API endpoint and copy its URL.
  2. Reproduce the error and record exact steps, sample requests, and responses.
  3. Submit the issue to the City Open Data contact with attachments and a clear subject line.
  4. If needed, call 311 to escalate service-impacting issues or request a referral.
  5. Track the ticket reference and follow up if you do not receive acknowledgement.

Key Takeaways

  • Provide exact URLs and reproducible steps to help the City fix issues quickly.
  • Use the Open Data contact for technical fixes and 311 for service-impacting problems.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Vancouver Open Data contact
  2. [2] City of Vancouver 311

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