Nanaimo Cookie Policy

Last reviewed: 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar tracking technologies are collected, used, and managed when the Nanaimo website is accessed. It applies to all users visiting the site from Canada, regardless of device or browser.

By continuing to use the Nanaimo website, you acknowledge that this Cookie Policy has been read and understood. Where applicable law requires active consent before certain cookies are placed, such consent is requested through a cookie notice or consent management tool displayed on the first visit.

This Cookie Policy should be read together with the Privacy Policy, which provides additional detail on the handling of personal information.

2. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that a website places on a device when the site is visited. They allow the site to recognize the device on subsequent visits, retain certain preferences, and support the technical operation of the service.

In addition to cookies, related technologies such as local storage, session storage, and pixel tags may be used. References to cookies in this policy also cover these related technologies, unless stated otherwise.

Cookies can be:

• Session cookies - temporary files that exist only for the duration of a browser session and are deleted when the browser is closed.
• Persistent cookies - files that remain on a device for a defined period or until deleted manually.
• First-party cookies - set directly by the Nanaimo platform.
• Third-party cookies - set by external service providers operating on behalf of the platform or for their own purposes, such as analytics or fraud prevention.

3. Categories of Cookies Used

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are required for the website to function. They enable core operations such as page navigation, secure login, session continuity, and access to restricted areas of the site. Without these cookies, the site cannot operate correctly.

Strictly necessary cookies do not require user consent under most applicable frameworks. Their use is disclosed here for transparency.

3.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies allow the site to remember user choices, such as preferred language, display settings, or region. They improve consistency across sessions but are not essential to the basic operation of the site.

3.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

Analytics and performance cookies collect information about how visitors interact with the Nanaimo website. This includes, for example, which pages are visited, how long users remain on a page, and where errors occur. The data collected is generally aggregated and is not intended to directly identify individual users.

This information is used to understand usage patterns and to improve the reliability, structure, and performance of the site.

3.4 Security Cookies

Security cookies support fraud detection, bot prevention, and the integrity of user sessions. They may record signals such as device type, IP address, and interaction patterns to identify unusual or potentially harmful activity. These cookies form part of maintaining a secure environment for users.

3.5 Marketing and Tracking Technologies

Where permitted and where the user has provided consent, the company or its third-party partners may use cookies, pixels, or similar technologies to understand how users arrive at the site and to measure the effectiveness of referral or promotional channels. These technologies do not grant third parties access to user accounts or personal account data.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on the Nanaimo website are placed by third-party providers that deliver services such as analytics and security tools. These providers operate under their own privacy and cookie policies, and the company does not control the data they collect independently.

Reasonable steps are taken to ensure that third-party providers engaged by the company handle data in a manner consistent with applicable Canadian privacy requirements. Users who wish to understand how a specific third-party provider uses data should consult that provider’s documentation directly.

5. Cookie Consent and Canadian Privacy Requirements

Canadian privacy law, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial legislation, governs how personal information, including certain cookie-derived data, is collected and used.

Where cookies collect data that constitutes personal information under applicable law, or where cookies are used for purposes beyond strictly necessary operation, user consent is obtained before those cookies are placed. Consent is collected through the cookie consent tool displayed when the site is first visited.

Users in Quebec should be aware that Quebec privacy legislation imposes specific requirements regarding consent for technologies used for profiling, localization, or targeted tracking. These requirements are applied to users identified as accessing the site from Quebec.

6. How to Manage Cookie Preferences

6.1 Through the Consent Tool

When the Nanaimo website is first visited, a cookie consent notice is displayed. Users may accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or configure preferences by category. These choices can be revisited and updated at any time through the Cookie Settings option available on the site.

6.2 Through the Browser

All major browsers allow cookies to be viewed, blocked, or deleted through their settings menus. The specific steps vary by browser. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Nanaimo site, including the ability to maintain a logged-in session or access certain features.

6.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Tools

Some analytics and advertising providers offer opt-out mechanisms independent of browser settings. Where relevant, links to these tools may be provided in the Privacy Policy or through the consent management interface.

7. Retention of Cookie Data

The retention period for cookie data depends on the type of cookie. Session cookies are deleted when the browser session ends. Persistent cookies remain for a period defined at the time they are set, which may range from a single day to several months, depending on their purpose.

Data collected through analytics or security cookies is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, after which it is deleted or anonymized.

8. Changes to This Policy

This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or operational practices. When material changes are made, the updated policy is published on this page with a revised review date. Continued use of the site following publication of changes constitutes acknowledgment of the updated policy.

9. Contact

Questions about this Cookie Policy or about the handling of cookie-related data by the Nanaimo platform may be submitted through the support channels listed on the Contact page. Enquiries are addressed within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with applicable requirements.