Cookies Policy

Last updated: September 30, 2026

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that can store or access information on your browser or device. These files can record details such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages and device identifiers. On an informational site focused on public spaces and city experiences the technologies help maintain basic functionality without collecting unnecessary personal details.

Why the Site Uses Cookies and Similar Technologies

The site uses these technologies to ensure pages load correctly and to remember simple settings such as language preference. Because the website is non-commercial and provides visual explorations of architecture streets and everyday urban life the technologies support reliable delivery of images and content. They do not track users across unrelated sites or build advertising profiles. The overall goal is to deliver a stable informative experience while respecting Canadian privacy expectations under PIPEDA.

Strictly Necessary Functional Analytics Performance Advertising and Social Media Categories

Strictly necessary cookies enable core features such as page navigation and security. Functional cookies remember user choices like display preferences. Analytics or performance cookies gather aggregated information about how visitors interact with content to improve layout and loading speed. Advertising or targeting cookies are not used because the site does not run commercial promotions. Social media cookies are absent as the site does not embed sharing tools or third party social widgets. Each category is assessed for necessity before implementation.

First Party Versus Third Party Cookies

First party cookies are set directly by the site and remain under its control. They handle essential tasks such as session continuity. Third party cookies originate from external providers such as content delivery networks that help serve images of city scenes. The site limits third party involvement to technical service providers that do not receive personal identifiers beyond what is required for delivery. No third party uses the data for its own marketing purposes.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies and Retention Periods

Session cookies exist only while the browser is open and are deleted automatically when the session ends. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period or until manually removed. Necessary session cookies typically expire at the end of the visit. Functional persistent cookies may last up to twelve months to retain display settings. Analytics cookies if employed are configured to expire after twenty four months. Retention is kept to the minimum period needed for the stated purpose.

Data Handled and Purpose of Each Used Category

Necessary cookies process technical data such as session identifiers to prevent errors during navigation. Functional cookies store preferences like text size to improve readability of articles about urban design. Analytics cookies collect aggregated statistics on page views and scroll depth to understand which visual explorations resonate most with readers. No category processes names addresses or contact information. All data remains non identifiable at the individual level.

Consent or Exemption Basis for Each Category Under Canadian Law

Under PIPEDA and related Canadian guidance strictly necessary cookies operate under the legitimate interest exemption because they are essential for the site to function. Functional and analytics cookies rely on implied or express consent obtained through the site wide cookie banner. Visitors may refuse non essential categories without losing access to core content. The site does not use categories that would require separate opt in under CASL anti spam provisions because no commercial electronic messages are sent.

Cookie Provider Table

The following table summarises active cookies. Provider names purposes categories and durations are listed for transparency. Necessary first party session identifier lasts for the browsing session. Functional first party preference cookie lasts twelve months. Analytics third party aggregate statistics cookie lasts twenty four months. No advertising or social media entries appear because those categories are not deployed.

How the Consent Manager Works and How Users Can Reject Change or Withdraw Choices

The cookie banner appears on first visit and allows selection of functional and analytics categories. Choices are stored for twelve months. Visitors may reopen the banner from the footer area to adjust selections or withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawing consent immediately stops further collection by the affected categories while previously gathered aggregate data remains anonymised. No account login is required to manage preferences.

Browser Level Controls and Functional Consequences of Disabling Cookies

Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Blocking all cookies may prevent the site from remembering language choice or maintaining a stable session resulting in repeated prompts or slower loading of image galleries. Disabling analytics cookies has no impact on content access but reduces the site operators ability to identify improvement opportunities. Users retain full control and disabling cookies does not affect the availability of written articles or photographs.

International Transfers and Cross Reference to the Privacy Policy

Technical service providers may process data on servers outside Canada. Such transfers occur only when necessary for content delivery and are protected by contractual safeguards consistent with PIPEDA. Details about overall data handling practices appear in the separate Privacy Policy available on the site. The cookie practices described here remain limited to technical and aggregated uses.

Policy Changes Contact Route and Last Updated Date

Changes to this policy will be posted on this page with a new last updated date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. For questions about cookie practices please visit the Contacts page and use the provided form or call +1 416-555-0123. Written correspondence may be sent to 456 Queen Street West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5V 2A9, Canada. This document was last updated on September 30, 2026 and reflects current Canadian privacy expectations for informational websites.