Ottawa Construction Network ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit ottawaconstructionnetwork.com or use our services.
We comply with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
When you use our services, we may collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number (if provided)
- Business information (for directory listings)
- Questions submitted to Construction Brain
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website
- Geographic location (city/region level)
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and maintain our services
- Respond to your inquiries and questions
- Process directory listings and claims
- Generate AI-powered answers through Construction Brain
- Improve our website and services
- Analyze usage patterns and trends
- Comply with legal obligations
We will only send commercial electronic messages (emails) with your express consent, as required by CASL.
3. Construction Brain (AI) Data Use
When you use Construction Brain:
- Your questions may be stored and analyzed to improve our service
- Questions may be published publicly on our website
- AI-generated answers may be cached and reused
- Third-party AI providers (such as Anthropic) may process your inputs according to their own privacy policies
- We may use aggregated, anonymized data for any purpose
Do not submit confidential, proprietary, or personally identifying information to Construction Brain.
4. Contractor Directory Data
For businesses listed in our directory:
- Business information you provide will be publicly displayed
- Contact information may be visible to users
- Self-reported credentials (ESA, TSSA, WSIB) may be displayed
- We do not verify the accuracy of listing information
- You are responsible for keeping your listing information current
Users searching the directory should note that business contact information is provided for reference only.
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information with:
- Service Providers: Third parties who help us operate our website (hosting, AI services, analytics), bound by confidentiality agreements
- AI Providers: Third-party AI services that process Construction Brain queries
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure data storage with access controls
- Regular security assessments
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights Under PIPEDA
Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw your consent to our use of your information
- Complaint: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
8. CASL Compliance
In compliance with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation:
- We obtain express consent before sending commercial electronic messages
- All commercial messages identify the sender
- All commercial messages include a working unsubscribe mechanism
- Unsubscribe requests are processed within 10 business days
9. Cookies and Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve website functionality
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website contains links to third-party websites, including ESA, TSSA, WSIB, City of Ottawa, and listed contractor websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law:
- Construction Brain Questions: May be retained indefinitely for published Q&A content
- Directory Listings: Retained while the listing is active
- Analytics Data: Retained in aggregated form indefinitely
12. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
14. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us through our website.
For unresolved privacy concerns, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.