1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Design By Toronto ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further detail on how we handle personal information.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You may adjust your cookie preferences at any time using your browser settings as outlined below.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to website operators.
Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until they expire or are deleted) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser). They can be set by the website you are visiting ("first-party cookies") or by third-party services operating on the website ("third-party cookies").
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the basic functioning of our website. They enable core features such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and form submissions. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and they cannot be disabled.
3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website, including which pages are visited most often, how visitors navigate between pages, and whether they encounter error messages. This data helps us improve our website's performance and user experience. We may use third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics for this purpose.
3.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow our website to remember choices you have made (such as your preferred language or region) and provide enhanced, more personalized features. They may also be used to remember changes you have made to text size, fonts, and other customizable elements of the website.
3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
If implemented, these cookies may be used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. These cookies are typically placed by third-party advertising networks with our permission.
4. Cookies We Use
The following table provides details about the specific cookies used on our website:
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique visitors by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Analytics | Google Analytics — used to persist session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique visitors within a 24-hour period | 24 hours |
| _gat | Performance | Google Analytics — used to throttle request rate | 1 minute |
| cookie_consent | Necessary | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| wp_lang | Functionality | WordPress — stores your language preference | Session |
This list may be updated periodically as we add or remove cookies from our website.
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services. We do not control these cookies and their use is governed by the respective third party's privacy and cookie policies. Third-party services we may use include:
- Google Analytics: web analytics service provided by Google LLC. Google Privacy Policy
- Google Fonts: font delivery service provided by Google LLC, which may collect IP addresses and usage data
- WordPress: content management system that may set cookies for functionality and security purposes
6. Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies, including:
- Local storage: data stored in your browser that persists after you close it, used to save preferences and improve performance
- Pixel tags (web beacons): small, transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that help us understand user behavior and measure engagement
7. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies:
7.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these settings in the "Options," "Settings," or "Preferences" menu of your browser. The following links provide instructions for common browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
7.2 Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
7.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies
Please note that disabling or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of our website. Some features may not work as intended, and your user experience may be diminished. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for the website to function.
8. Cookies and Canadian Privacy Law
Our use of cookies complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and guidance issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Where cookies collect personal information, such information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
We obtain your consent for the use of non-essential cookies through your continued use of our website and the ability to manage your preferences through your browser settings. We are committed to transparency about our use of cookies and will update this policy as our practices or applicable regulations evolve.
9. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that sends a signal to websites requesting that they do not track the user. At this time, there is no universally accepted standard for how to respond to DNT signals. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices and encourage you to use the cookie management tools described above.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Design By Toronto
12176 Derry Road
Milton, Ontario L9T 7J6
Canada
For more information about your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.