Certified Copies from London City Clerk - Bylaws
In London, Ontario the City Clerk’s office issues certified copies of municipal documents such as bylaws, council minutes and official agreements. This guide explains who may request a certified copy, what you must provide, how to submit a request, typical timelines, and where to get official help. Requests are processed by the City Clerk or Records staff and may require identification, a clear description of the record, and payment of any applicable fees. Use the City Clerk pages linked below to confirm current submission methods and office hours.City Clerk Office[1]
What the City Clerk certifies
The City Clerk commonly certifies:
- certified copies of enacted bylaws and amendments
- certified extracts of council minutes and resolutions
- certified copies of municipal agreements and executed contracts
- certified attestations for records held in municipal archives
How to request a certified copy
Prepare a written request that names the record (bylaw number, meeting date, or agreement title), your preferred format (paper or digital), and contact details. Include proof of identity if asked and specify whether the certified copy must carry an original signature and seal. Submit the request to the City Clerk or Records and Archives office by email, in person, or by mail as directed on the official records page.Records & Archives[2]
- typical processing time: not specified on the cited page
- fees: not specified on the cited page
- contact: City Clerk via the official City Clerk page[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Requests for certified copies themselves are administrative and are not generally subject to penalties. However, misuse or falsification of certified municipal documents can attract enforcement under applicable provincial or municipal statutes; specific fines or penalties for falsification are not specified on the cited City Clerk or Records pages. Enforcement roles and complaint pathways for records and bylaw matters include the City Clerk, By-law Enforcement and, where applicable, the Ontario courts for fraud or document offences.[1] [2]
- enforcement authority: City Clerk for certification accuracy and By-law Enforcement or courts for misuse
- appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; contact the City Clerk for internal review options
- monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page
- non-monetary sanctions: orders, withdrawal of certification, and referral to courts when fraud is alleged
Applications & Forms
Some certified-copy requests can be made using a written letter or email; the City does not publish a single mandatory universal form on the cited pages. If a fee applies or a special application form exists, the City Clerk or Records page will indicate it; the cited pages do not list a specific form name or number.
FAQ
- Who can request a certified copy?
- Any person who can identify the record and provide required identification; organizations may request certified copies for official purposes.
- How long does it take?
- Processing times vary; the City Clerk/Records pages do not specify a standard turnaround time. Contact the City Clerk for an estimate.[1]
- Are fees required?
- Fees may apply; the cited pages do not specify amounts. Verify current fees with the City Clerk or the published fees schedule.
How-To
- Identify the exact record you need (bylaw number, meeting date, agreement title).
- Prepare a written request with your contact information and any ID required.
- Submit the request via the City Clerk or Records contact method shown on the official pages.[1]
- Pay any applicable fee and confirm whether you need an original-sealed copy or a digital certified copy.
- Receive the certified copy in the agreed format; follow up with the City Clerk if processing exceeds the expected timeframe.
Key Takeaways
- Provide a precise record description to speed processing.
- Contact the City Clerk or Records before applying to confirm requirements.
- Processing times and fees are published by the City Clerk; check current pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of London - City Clerk
- City of London - Records & Archives
- City of London - By-law Services
- City of London - Building & Development Services