- Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how information is collected, stored, and used through cookies and similar tracking technologies when you access or use the Thunder Bay website. This document applies to all users accessing Thunder Bay from Canada and should be read together with the Privacy Policy.
By continuing to use the website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy. For non-essential cookies, continued use of the website does not constitute consent unless a clear choice has been presented and you have actively indicated agreement.
- What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. They allow the website to recognize your device on subsequent visits and to store certain information about your session or preferences.
In addition to standard cookies, the platform may use related technologies, including web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage objects. These technologies function in a similar way to cookies and are subject to the same rules described in this document.
- Types of Cookies Used
Thunder Bay uses the following categories of cookies:
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for the website to function. They enable core operations such as session management, authentication, and security controls. Without these cookies, services requested by the user cannot be provided. These cookies do not require consent, but their use is disclosed for transparency.
3.2 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to remember choices made by the user, such as language preference or display settings. These cookies support usability but are not essential to the operation of the site. They require user consent before being placed on a device.
3.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use the website, including which pages are visited most frequently and whether users encounter error messages. The data is aggregated and does not directly identify individual users. Analytics cookies may be placed by third-party providers that operate under their own privacy policies. Thunder Bay does not control the practices of those third parties beyond the contractual obligations imposed on them.
3.4 Advertising and Behavioural Tracking Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver content that is relevant to user interests and to measure the effectiveness of referral activity. They may track browsing activity across multiple websites. Behavioural tracking cookies are non-essential and require explicit, informed consent before activation. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
- Session Cookies and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies: Temporary files stored only for the duration of a browser session. They are deleted automatically when the browser is closed.
Persistent cookies: Files that remain on a device for a defined period or until manually deleted. They may be placed by Thunder Bay or by authorized third-party providers.
- Third-Party Cookies
Certain cookies on the Thunder Bay website are placed by third-party service providers, including analytics platforms and advertising networks. These providers may collect information about online activity across different websites and services. Thunder Bay requires that such providers handle data in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy law, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Once data is transferred to a third party, that party’s own privacy policy governs its subsequent use.
Personal information collected through cookies is not sold to third parties.
- Your Rights and Consent Under Canadian Law
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada requires organizations to obtain meaningful consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information through tracking technologies. This applies to non-essential cookies used for analytics, advertising, and behavioural tracking.
User consent must be:
- Informed: Users must be told what information is collected, why it is collected, and who receives it.
- Meaningful: Users must have a genuine and accessible choice to accept or decline non-essential cookies.
- Withdrawable: Users may withdraw consent at any time, and that withdrawal must take effect promptly and remain effective.
A cookie preference mechanism is provided on the website so that users can manage their choices at any time. Withdrawing consent for non-essential cookies does not affect access to the core functions of the website, although some features may operate with reduced functionality.
- How to Manage Cookies
Users may manage cookie preferences through the following methods:
7.1 Cookie Preference Centre
The website provides a preference centre accessible from the site where cookie settings can be reviewed and adjusted by category. Changes take effect immediately upon saving preferences.
7.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow cookies to be blocked or deleted through their settings. Disabling all cookies may affect website performance and may prevent certain features from functioning correctly. Instructions for managing cookies vary by browser and are available in each browser’s help documentation.
7.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Tools
Some third-party analytics and advertising providers offer their own opt-out mechanisms. Where these are available, they are referenced in the full Privacy Policy. Thunder Bay does not control the operation of third-party opt-out tools.
- Sensitive Information
Thunder Bay does not use cookies to collect sensitive personal information such as financial account details, government identification numbers, or health-related data. Cookie-based data collection is limited to information necessary for the purposes described in Section 3 of this document.
- Data Retention
Session cookies are deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are retained for the period specified at the time of placement, which varies by cookie type and provider. Persistent cookies may be deleted at any time through browser settings or through the Thunder Bay preference centre.
- Changes to This Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in technology, applicable law, or operational practices. The current version of this document will always be available on the website. Where changes are material, reasonable steps will be taken to notify users before the changes take effect. Continued use of the website following notification of changes does not constitute consent to non-essential cookies unless preferences have been actively confirmed through the preference centre.
- Contact
Questions about this Cookie Policy or requests to exercise rights in relation to cookie-based data collection may be directed to Thunder Bay through the support channels listed on the Contact page. Requests will be handled within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with obligations under applicable Canadian privacy legislation.