Metro Vancouver is committed to providing a website that protects your privacy in accordance with
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) and other applicable legislation.
The purpose of this privacy statement is to inform you of the information that is collected when you visit metrovancouver.org, and how it is collected, used, and disclosed.
Collection and use of information
Metro Vancouver does not automatically collect your personal information, such as your name, phone number, address, or email. Be aware that although Metro Vancouver automatically gathers and stores information about your visit; this information does not identify a specific individual. Personal information is only obtained if you provide it voluntarily through contacting Metro Vancouver via email, online forms, or by setting up a user account.
At the time of collection, you will be provided with the purpose for which the personal information is being collected. Your personal information will only be used or disclosed for the purpose for which it was collected, for other purposes you have consented to, or as required by law.
Types of information we collect and why
Website analytics
Metro Vancouver uses website analytics to analyze non-identifiable website traffic with the purpose of improving the services we offer. This is done by gathering information about how users interact with our website via cookies. The collected data will not be shared with any other third party for any other purpose.
Metro Vancouver may collect the following information for analytics:
- Number of users
- Session statistics
- Approximate geolocation
- Browser and device information
Learn about cookies
A cookie is a small file containing certain pieces of information that a website creates when you visit a resource from a website. It can track how and when you use a website, the information you viewed at the website including the information you viewed previously. Cookies are used to collect de-identified data about users, identify sessions, and define metrics.
Our website and its services use cookies to:
- Ensure that interactive content, live chat, forms, reminders, and other services work properly.
- Collect information about your visit to measure how people use our website, which in turn helps us improve your experience on the website.
- Record if you have seen a notification pop up before to reduce the number of times you see them.
- Store your tailored preferences when you visit the website later.
Our cookies collect the following information:
- Your operating system (e.g. Windows 11, Mac OS X)
- The type of web browser you use (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox)
- The date and time you visit our website
- The pages accessed on our website, the order and duration you view them, and the items on each that you interact with.
- If you access our website from another website
- The location information (country, city, latitude and longitude of city) is determined from your IP addresses during the collection time and then discarded before data is stored. IP addresses are not kept or linked to the other data collected.
Our cookies don’t:
- Collect or share your personal information.
- Allow programs to be run on your device.
Manage cookies
You can block cookies in most browsers, but our website and its services may not work properly if you do that.
Learn how to block cookies.
You can opt-out of us collecting this information.
Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
Other information collected
| Providing your personal information online | Providing your personal information online | <div class="ExternalClass704C33E2057E494A9E29247B934F6718"><p>Metro Vancouver will obtain your personal information if you provide it when you:</p><ul><li>Request more information about a service</li><li>Send us an email</li><li>Take a survey or questionnaire</li><li>Fill in a web form</li><li>Apply for services or register for events</li></ul><p>We will only use the personal information collected from our website for the same purpose that it was collected. We will not use your personal information for another purpose without your consent.<br></p></div> |
| Registering for an account for services or events | Registering for an account for services or events | <div class="ExternalClass46BF9F93340C471D8AE65F78D08741AC"><p>Our website allows you to register for services and events through a third-party online portal. Before you can make a request, you will be required to create an account. Your account is password protected so only you can access it. Your personal information, which could include credit card information, will be stored with your account.</p><p>Your payment card information is securely stored and handled in compliance with all applicable Payment Card Industry security standards.</p><p>For your protection, we strongly recommend that you do not provide your account information, username, or password to anyone.<br></p></div> |
| Subscribing to email alerts and newsletters | Subscribing to email alerts and newsletters | <div class="ExternalClass2ACF05D6AD404F6EB4AB40462FA42B7E"><p>Metro Vancouver uses an email notification system to send out email alerts on a variety of topics. Individuals interested in receiving email alerts can subscribe by filling out an online form. You have the option to unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email alert.
We will not send you an emailed newsletter unless you opt-in to receive these communications from us. You will only receive the information on the topic you have selected when subscribing. Newsletter content is provided to subscribers in compliance with <a href="https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/internet/anti.htm" target="_blank" title="Canada's Anti-spam Legislsation">Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation</a> (CASL), which ensures you only receive the online newsletter content and marketing materials you want.<br></p></div> |
| Web forms | Web forms | <div class="ExternalClass5C439CF4387945C48682A932F74292DD"><p>Metro Vancouver uses web forms to enable you to contact us, provide feedback, apply for services, etc.</p><p>The personal information you submit through Metro Vancouver web forms is solely for the purpose of responding to your service request.<br></p></div> |
| Recorded virtual meetings and public engagement events | Recorded virtual meetings and public engagement events | <div class="ExternalClassBC458FF533CA446BAE013F011A44DAC8"><p>If you attend a virtual public meeting or event, it is likely to be recorded. You will be notified before the meeting if it is being recorded. These recordings may be shared with attendees and/or posted on our website.<br></p></div> |
Links to other websites/social media sites
The metrovancouver.org website contains links to external sites that are not associated with Metro Vancouver. Metro Vancouver is not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of these other websites and encourages you to examine each website’s privacy statement and disclaimers before providing any personal information.
Questions and concerns about privacy
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Metro Vancouver’s Online Privacy Statement or any privacy related questions or complaints, please contact the Privacy Office:
Attention: Privacy Officer
Metro Vancouver
Metrotower III, 4515 Central Boulevard
Burnaby, BC V5H 0C6
Telephone: 604-432-6291
Email: privacy@metrovancouver.org
The Privacy Office will review all complaints or concerns in accordance with the FOIPPA.
Provide as much detail as you can to assist us in understanding the nature of your complaint including:
- Details of your complaint or concern
- Your name
- Your contact information (email address or phone number)
Personal information is collected for the purpose of responding to your privacy complaint or concern. Metro Vancouver is authorized to collect this personal information under section 26(c) of the FOIPPA.