Do I have to create an account?

To submit a request online, you must have an account. This gives you a secure way to submit requests, make payment if required, and access the records you’ve requested. If you don’t wish to create an account, requests can be submitted other ways. For more information, please visit: Access to information | Privacy | Halifax

How do I create an account?

On the public access site (PAL), click Register and enter your information. Mandatory fields (which must be entered) are marked with an asterisk (*).

Following completion of the form, you will receive two emails: one contains your temporary password so you can log into the system for the first time; the other contains your user name and directions on how log in for the first time. If you don’t receive the emails within approximately 10 minutes, please check your junk folder. Emails will come from the email address noreply@access.halifax.ca.

Once logged in, you can use the Change Password button to change your password to one of your choosing. Please reference the password character requirements when creating your password.

I did not receive emails after registering or asking for help with my username/ password.

It can take up to 10 minutes for the emails to be received. After that time, check your junk folder in case your email system’s spam filter redirected it there.

If you still haven’t received your emails, you may contact the municipal Access & Privacy Office for further assistance. You can find the contact information by clicking Help and then Contact Us.

How do I make changes to my account?

After logging into the system, click My Account. Update the information as required, enter the Captcha security code and then click Save.

I can’t remember my user name or password

Click on the Sign In button, then click Forgot User Name or Password. You will be prompted to enter the email address you signed up with, and you’ll need to enter the Captcha security question. Then you can choose whether you want to Recover User Name or Reset Password. Click the appropriate button, and you will receive an email with further direction.

Will my account expire?

Yes, if your account is not used for two years, it will be deactivated. To reactivate your account, you can click Sign In then click Forgot User Name or Password. If you require further assistance, please contact the Access & Privacy office; contact information can be found by clicking Help then Contact Us.

How do I submit a request?

After logging into the system, click the Submit Request button. Your account information appears at the top of the screen. If any of that is incorrect, click on the My Account button, update your information accordingly, and then proceed with submitting your request.

Complete the fields. Mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (*). When finished, enter the Captcha code then click Submit to complete your request. If payment is required, you will be re-directed to the Moneris payment screen to complete the payment steps.

You will receive email(s) with your file number, which you should retain for future reference.

How do I check on a request I’ve submitted?

After logging into the system, click the Request Status button and you’ll be shown a list of requests you’ve submitted and their respective status.

I’ve been charged additional fees. How do I pay for those?

Log into the system and click the Request Status button to see a list of requests submitted. If payment is owing on a request, a dollar sign icon ($) will appear next to the file number, and it will show a status of “On Hold – fee related.” Click on the file number to open that request and scroll to the bottom to see the invoice(s) attached to that request. Click on the Make Payment button, and you will be re-directed to a Moneris screen to complete payment.

What is the Reading Room?

The Reading Room is a space containing records available for public consumption. This is commonly requested information which is not confidential or private. You can enter the search criteria to find items of interest to you, and then download the documents, free of charge. It may be a good idea to search the Reading Room before submitting a request as the records you are looking for may already be available there.

I still have questions. Who do I contact?

Please review the municipality’s Privacy Policy here: Privacy Policy | Halifax

If you still have questions, you may contact the municipal Access & Privacy office. You can find the contact information by clicking Help and then Contact Us.