E-file: For Public Users
You can use e-file to submit an appeal, application, objection, or referral depending on the circumstance. For simplicity, we refer to all of these actions as an “appeal” in e-file. The person or entity filing the request is called the “appellant.”
E-file Portal
Read this first: Where to file your appeal
E-file connects participating approval authorities, appellants, and representatives. When using e-file, do not select “Ontario Land Tribunal” (OLT) as the approval authority to file your appeal with, unless you have checked the applicable legislation and confirmed that the appeal is not to be filed first with a municipal clerk or secretary-treasurer. In most cases, appeals need to first be filed with the appropriate municipality. After you file, the approval authority will review your appeal, add any additional information, as needed, and then forward it to the OLT. You should review your notice of decision to confirm that your approval authority has authorized the use of e-file to file appeals. Only select OLT as the approval authority after verifying the applicable legislation and confirming that the appeal does not need to be filed with a municipality or other approval authority first.
An appeal will not be considered filed, and may be refused, if:
- it is filed with the wrong approval authority, or
- it is filed in a way not authorized by the approval authority.
Appeal deadline
When using e-file, you must submit your appeal within the legislated timeline. The time and date should be indicated on the notice of decision. If you submit after the specified time, it will be considered late and may be refused since it will be marked as received on the next business day. File as early as you can to avoid missing the deadline.
How to e-file
Access to e-file documentation
Consolidated Appeal Record
The Consolidated Appeal Record includes all the information you entered when submitting your appeal through e-file. This includes your appeal details, reasons for appeal, and any supporting attachments you uploaded.
To access your Consolidated Appeal Record:
- Go to the My Appeals tab and select Completed Appeals.
- Find the appeal ID in your list.
- Under the Action column, select View Summary and Print.
- On the Appeal Summary page, scroll down to the Documents
- Select Consolidated E-file Appeal Record to download the zip file.
You can share this zip file externally with your representative or any other parties.
Please note that the zip file may be large and could take time to download.
Consolidated Municipal Record
The Consolidated Municipal Record includes all case information entered by the municipality (approval authority) when submitting your appeal to the OLT. This record includes:
- All documents uploaded by the municipality
- Copies of the appeal submissions and supporting documents originally filed by appellants
For appeals submitted through e-file on or after October 6, 2025, once the approval authority submits your appeal to OLT, you will receive an email notification that the Consolidated Municipal Record is available for download.
To access the record:
- Click the link in the email to log in to your Appeal Summary page.
- Select the Download Municipal Record button located under the blue banner.
You can share this zip file with your representative or other parties as needed.
Note: The zip file may be large and could take some time to download.
Technical/Troubleshooting tips
- The e-file portal may not work well with older browsers. Use a current browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
- If you experience issues, try disabling pop-up blockers or clearing your browser cache.
If there is a system outage:
- check the notice of decision from the municipality/approval authority for alternative filing methods
- if permitted, you may:
- download and complete the A1 Appellant/Applicant Form
- submit the form and supporting documents directly to the municipality or approval authority by email, mail (if time permits), or in person in advance of the municipal/approval authority deadline.
Use of information
All information collected as part of the appeal file is part of the public record of the case under the authority of:
- Ontario Land Tribunal Act, 2021
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- Section 9 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act
This information is available to the public, subject to limited exceptions.
Disclaimer
By using e-file, you understand that it can be used only to file appeals and applications if the appropriate approval authority has opted into the service. You must confirm that you can use e-file by:
- checking the notice of passing, notice of decision or other document that instructs how an appeal may be filed, or
- contacting the appropriate approval authority
OLT is not responsible if you fail to follow the filing instructions or miss the legislated timeframe. OLT is also not responsible for technical issues such as computer, server or network outages.
Accessibility
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) supports the full inclusion of persons with disabilities as set out in:
- the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- the Ontario Human Rights Code
- the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), 2001
- the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005.
We are committed to providing services in accordance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service made under the AODA. In keeping with this commitment, the Ontario Land Tribunal has an Accessibility Policy (currently under review) and a Multi-year Accessibility Plan (PDF | HTML). If you require a different format or paper copy, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator.
Contact us about accessibility:
Toll free: 1-866-448-2248; or
TTY: 1-800-855-1155 via Bell relay
E-mail: OLT.Coordinator@ontario.ca
