Cookie Policy

In this policy, we use the term “cookies” to refer to cookies and similar tracking technologies covered by Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) regarding privacy in electronic communications.
A cookie is a small file that a website asks your browser to store on your device. This file acts as a "memory" for the site, allowing it to remember your actions or preferences over time. Rest assured: cookies are not programs; they cannot carry viruses or install malware on your system. While most browsers accept them automatically, you have the power to decline or delete them at any time.
Why do we use cookies?

We use cookies to understand how you interact with our Portal and to make your experience smoother. For example, cookies remember your language settings or login preferences so you don't have to reset them every time you visit. They also help us deliver specific content, such as embedded videos, directly on our pages.

What types of cookies do we use?

We use a mix of "First-party" and "Third-party" cookies, which function in two different ways:

  • First-Party vs. Third-Party:

    • First-party cookies are issued directly from the shopthecounty.ca domain. We use these for core site functions, like remembering your location preferences or managing our general contact forms.

    • Third-party cookies belong to and are managed by outside partners (like regional service providers). These are often required to run specialized forms, surveys, or external integrations.

  • Session vs. Persistent:

    • Session cookies are temporary. They remember you while you’re actively browsing and "poof"—they disappear as soon as you close your browser.

    • Persistent cookies stay on your device even after you close your browser or restart your computer. We use these to analyze long-term visitor patterns, which helps us improve the Portal's functionality for everyone.

How are third-party cookies used?

For some features, we rely on external suppliers. For example, if you view a page with an embedded YouTube video, that video may contain third-party cookies from Google/YouTube. Since we don't control these cookies, we encourage you to check the privacy policies of these third-party vendors on their respective websites.

How do I reject and delete cookies?

You are in control. You can choose to reject or block all (or specific) types of cookies by adjusting your Cookie Preferences on our Portal.

  • Browser Settings: You can also change your preferences globally through your browser settings (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).

  • Manual Deletion: Since most browsers accept cookies by default, you may need to manually delete existing cookies if you want them gone.

  • The Trade-off: If you reject cookies, you can still use the Portal, but some features (like saved preferences or certain forms) may not work exactly as intended.

For a deeper dive into managing your digital footprint, you can visit www.allaboutcookies.org. By continuing to use our website without adjusting your settings, you agree to our use of cookies that haven't been deleted or rejected.

Updated January 1, 2026