Vancouver Dataset Release Request - City Bylaw Process

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

Vancouver, British Columbia residents, researchers and businesses often need official datasets from the City for planning, analysis or development. This guide explains how to request release of datasets held by the City of Vancouver, when to use the Open Data portal versus an access-to-records request, which offices handle requests, typical timelines, and the steps to appeal or escalate if access is denied. It summarizes official procedures and points to the City’s primary pages so you can submit a valid request and follow up with the right department.

How dataset release requests are handled

The City manages two main paths for dataset access: publishing on the Open Data portal for broad reuse, and access-to-records requests for unpublished or protected records. To request a published dataset, check the Open Data catalogue and licence terms; to request unpublished datasets or specific extracts, use the City’s access-to-records process and disclose needs and formats. For official guidance and submission portals, see the City’s Open Data and Access to Records pages Open Data Catalogue[1], Open Data program[2], and Access to Records[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Dataset release and access are administrative processes rather than criminal offences; the City’s pages do not specify fines for making or processing requests. Where statutory limits or penalties apply (for misuse or unauthorized disclosure) the City refers to provincial information and privacy legislation or internal policy.

  • Response timelines: the City’s access guidance explains expected processing steps but specific statutory timelines are not specified on the cited City pages; see the cited pages for details and current timelines.[3]
  • Fees: fees for records, reproduction or staff time are not specified on the cited City pages; check the Access to Records page or contact the office for fee schedules.[3]
  • Enforcer and contact: the City’s Access to Records office (often via the City Clerk or Information Access team) handles requests and complaints; use the official contact form on the Access to Records page.[3]
  • Non-monetary remedies: record redaction, refusal of release, or referral to provincial oversight are the typical actions described; specific sanctions are not listed on the City pages.
  • Appeals and review: the City’s guidance points requesters to internal review and external oversight routes; for independent review, provincial privacy oversight bodies can be engaged if applicable.[3]
If you need an unpublished dataset, submit an access-to-records request rather than relying on the Open Data catalogue.

Applications & Forms

The City provides online guidance and contact forms for access requests; specific form names, numbers and fee schedules are linked on the Access to Records page. If no dedicated dataset release form exists, the City accepts a written request describing the records, preferred format and purpose.

How-To

  1. Search the Open Data catalogue to see if the dataset is already published and confirm licence terms. [1]
  2. If unpublished, prepare an access-to-records request: describe the dataset, time range, spatial extent, preferred format and intended use.
  3. Submit the request via the City’s Access to Records contact form or email listed on the Access to Records page. [3]
  4. Track the request, respond promptly to clarifications from staff, and document any timelines or fees quoted.
  5. If the City refuses or redacts records, ask for internal review and follow the appeal steps on the City page; consider contacting provincial oversight if internal review is exhausted.

FAQ

How do I request a dataset that isn’t in the Open Data catalogue?
Submit an access-to-records request describing the dataset, format and time period via the City’s Access to Records page; staff will confirm whether the dataset can be released and any applicable fees.[3]
Are there fees to obtain a dataset?
The City’s public pages indicate fees may apply for copying or staff time but do not publish a detailed fee schedule; requesters should consult the Access to Records page or contact the office for current fees.[3]
How long will it take to get a response?
Processing times depend on request complexity; the Access to Records guidance describes the steps but does not specify a single statutory timeline on the cited pages, so confirm expected turnaround when you submit.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Check the Open Data catalogue first to avoid an access request. [1]
  • Use the City’s Access to Records contact form for unpublished datasets. [3]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Vancouver Open Data Catalogue
  2. [2] City of Vancouver Open Data program
  3. [3] City of Vancouver Access to Records

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