This Cookie Policy sets out how cookies and similar tracking technologies are used on the Ottawa website. By accessing or continuing to use the Ottawa website, you confirm that you have read and understood this document. Users who do not agree with the practices described here should adjust their browser settings or discontinue use of the site.
This document applies to all pages and services available through the Ottawa website directed at users in Canada.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that a website places on a device when a user visits the site. They allow the website to recognise the device on subsequent visits, remember certain preferences, and support core technical functions. Cookies do not execute programs or deliver viruses. They are stored locally on the device and can be read only by the website that issued them or by authorised third parties as described in this policy.
Similar technologies, including pixels, web beacons, and local storage objects, may also be used alongside cookies. References to cookies in this policy include these comparable technologies unless stated otherwise.
2. Categories of Cookies Used
Ottawa uses cookies that fall into the following categories.
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies are required for the website to function. They enable core operations such as page navigation, session management, and access to secure areas of the site. Without these cookies, services requested by the user cannot be provided. These cookies do not require user consent and cannot be disabled through on-site consent tools, although they may be blocked through browser settings. Blocking these cookies at browser level may prevent parts of the website from working correctly.
2.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
Analytics and performance cookies collect information about how visitors use the Ottawa website, such as which pages are visited most frequently, session duration, and where users exit the site. The data collected is aggregated and does not identify individual users. This information is used to assess and improve the structure and performance of the website.
2.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to remember choices made by the user, such as language preference or display settings. These cookies reduce the need to re-enter information on each visit and support a more consistent user experience. They do not track activity on other websites.
2.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
Marketing and advertising cookies may be set by Ottawa or by third-party advertising partners. They are used to deliver content considered relevant to user interests and to measure the effectiveness of communications. These cookies may track activity across different websites. Users may opt out of these cookies through the consent management tool available on the site.
2.5 Security Cookies
Security cookies support fraud prevention and help protect the integrity of user sessions. They may detect unusual activity patterns and assist in verifying that interactions with the website are legitimate.
3. Session and Persistent Cookies
Cookies differ in how long they remain on a device.
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted automatically when the browser is closed.
- Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on the device for a defined period, typically up to twelve months, depending on the issuing party.
Persistent cookies are used where continuity between visits is necessary, such as remembering consent choices or maintaining login state across sessions.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on the Ottawa website are set by third-party service providers, including analytics platforms and advertising networks. These third parties operate under their own privacy and cookie policies, which are not controlled by Ottawa. Users should review the relevant third-party policies for information on how those parties process data collected through their cookies.
Ottawa does not sell data collected through cookies to unrelated third parties.
5. User Consent and Cookie Choices
When a user first visits the Ottawa website, a consent banner is displayed. Through this banner, the user may:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept strictly necessary cookies only
- Customise cookie preferences by category
The selection is recorded and applied to the current and future visits. Cookie preferences may be changed at any time by accessing the cookie settings available on the site.
Withdrawing consent for certain categories of cookies may affect the availability or functionality of parts of the website.
6. Managing Cookies Through Browser Settings
In addition to the on-site consent tool, cookies can be controlled through browser settings. Most browsers allow viewing, blocking, or deleting cookies. The steps for doing so vary by browser, and users should refer to the browser’s help documentation for specific instructions.
Blocking all cookies through the browser will affect not only the Ottawa website but all websites visited. If strictly necessary cookies are blocked at browser level, certain features of the site may not function correctly.
7. Data Processed Through Cookies
Cookies used on the Ottawa website may process the following types of data:
- Device identifiers and browser type
- IP address (in anonymised or partial form where applicable)
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Referring website or source
- Session start and end times
- Consent status and preference selections
This data is processed in accordance with the Ottawa Privacy Policy, which provides further detail on how personal information is collected, stored, and used.
8. Cross-Border Data Processing
Data collected through cookies may be processed or stored outside Canada, including by third-party service providers operating in other jurisdictions. Where this occurs, Ottawa takes steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place consistent with applicable Canadian privacy legislation.
9. Legal Basis and Applicable Law
Ottawa operates under applicable Canadian federal and provincial privacy requirements. This Cookie Policy is intended to reflect obligations under relevant legislation governing the collection and use of personal information through electronic means. Where provincial requirements differ from federal standards, the more specific obligation applies.
10. Updates to This Policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or operational practices. The current version of this policy is always available on the website. Continued use of the Ottawa website following any update constitutes acknowledgment of the revised policy.
Questions regarding this Cookie Policy or the use of cookies on the Ottawa website may be submitted through the support channels listed on the Contact page.