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Request a file search or environmental search

You can request a file search and environmental search for a building’s history.

File and environmental searches provide information about the building’s permits, land use and environmental concerns. They can help you assess compliance and potential risks associated with the building.

As part of the file search, we’ll review the Mississauga Approval Xpress (MAX) database to check if there are:

  • Outstanding building permits or permit applications involving a fire department plan review or inspection
  • Outstanding fire department notices or orders under the Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code and local by-laws

As part of our environmental search, we will review our dispatch database and records, review our property files and search the Mississauga Approval Xpress (MAX).

Dispatch database and records

Our database and records date back to 1993. We’ll check if we’ve ever responded to calls at an address for reports about:

  • Structural fires
  • Major or minor spills or hazardous materials
  • Unknown materials on the premise, which can be hazardous

Property files

We’ll search for ways a building was previously used. This includes checking for if a storage or spill tanks were installed in the building, as it can indicate if hazardous materials are on the building premise.

MAX database

We’ll check for any:

  • Outstanding building permits or permit applications involving a fire department plan review or inspection
  • Outstanding fire department notices or orders under the Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code and local by-laws
  • For the last time a building had a fire prevention inspection (upon request)

How much it costs

  • File searches cost $115.68 (including HST) per address and $15.91 (including HST) for each additional unit.
  • Environmental searches cost $190.87 (including HST) per request for every address

How to submit a request

For both file and environmental search requests, you’ll need to provide:

  • Written request on company letterhead
  • Written authorization from the current property owner for the City to release information on file

By email

  1. Email the written requirements to fire.prevention@mississauga.ca.
  2. If needed, submit any additional details or documents that staff ask you to submit.
  3. When all the requirements are met, the City will send you an email with the link to the online payment page. You can pay your fee with debit, Visa, Mastercard or Amex.
  4. Once your payment is processed and file or environmental searches are ready, you’ll receive your order by email, unless requested otherwise.

By mail

Submit the printed copies of the written requirements and a cheque made payable to The Corporation of the City of Mississauga to:

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction Division
300 City Centre Drive, 2nd floor
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1

Staff will let you know if you need to submit any additional details or documents. When all requirements are met, you’ll receive the file or environmental searches by email, unless requested otherwise.

Contact us

For more information or questions about file and environmental searches, call 905-896-5908 or email fire.prevention@mississauga.ca.

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