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Privacy Policy

Canada Home Costs

Last updated: February 2026

1. Overview

Canada Home Costs is an independent, informational website focused on housing and ownership costs in Canada.

We are committed to respecting your privacy and complying with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Definitions: “personal information” means information about an identifiable individual as defined by PIPEDA.

2. Information we collect

a. Usage and analytics information

We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. This may include:

  • Pages viewed
  • Time spent on pages
  • Approximate geographic region (city or province level)
  • Device type, operating system, and browser

We also record limited, non-identifying product events to understand tool usage (for example: calculator opens, calculator runs, and related guide clicks). These events do not include raw calculator inputs or personal information.

This information is:

  • Aggregated and anonymized
  • Used only to understand site performance and improve content
  • Not used to identify individual visitors

To support analytics, we use anonymous identifiers stored in your browser (for example: a long-lived anonymous ID and a short-lived session ID).

b. Aggregated calculator and submission inputs

To improve calculators and build the Canada Household Cost Index, we may store calculator and submission inputs in aggregated or banded formats (for example: ranges, buckets, or regional totals).

These records are:

  • Non-identifying and not linked to personal profiles
  • Stored only in aggregated or anonymized form
  • Used to validate assumptions and improve model accuracy

We do not store raw input data in a way that can identify individuals, and we do not store personal financial information for index modeling.

c. Contact communications

If you contact us by email, we collect:

  • Your email address
  • The content of your message

This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry.

d. Newsletter subscriptions

If you subscribe to updates, we collect:

  • Your email address
  • Optional metadata such as source or locale

We use this information only to send Canada Home Costs updates. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe option in the email or by contacting us.

3. Information we do not collect

We do not:

  • Require user accounts or logins
  • Collect names, mailing addresses, or phone numbers
  • Collect payment or billing information
  • Knowingly collect personal information from children

4. Cookies and similar technologies

Analytics tools may use cookies or similar technologies to collect usage data. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

We also use localStorage for analytics-related preferences and anonymous identifiers (for example: consent state, a long-lived anonymous ID, and a short-lived session ID).

5. How information is used

Information collected is used only to:

  • Analyze traffic and site usage
  • Improve site content and functionality
  • Improve calculators and maintain aggregated index models
  • Send requested newsletter updates
  • Respond to inquiries or corrections

Under PIPEDA, we rely on consent as the legal basis for collecting, using, and disclosing personal information. Consent may be express or implied depending on the context, and you may withdraw consent subject to legal or operational limitations.

Analytics tools are only loaded after you opt in. You can withdraw consent at any time by updating your analytics preference.

We do not use personal information for automated decision-making or profiling.

6. Advertising and affiliate disclosures (future-ready)

At this time, Canada Home Costs does not display advertising or affiliate links.

If advertising or affiliate programs are introduced in the future:

  • Disclosure will be clearly provided on relevant pages
  • Third-party services may use cookies or tracking technologies in accordance with their own privacy policies
  • This Privacy Policy will be updated accordingly

7. Data retention

  • Analytics data is retained according to the default retention settings of the analytics provider.
  • Product event data is retained only as long as needed for analytics and operational purposes.
  • Aggregated or banded calculator inputs may be retained as summary statistics.
  • Newsletter subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
  • Email correspondence is retained only as long as necessary to respond to inquiries or maintain reasonable records.

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification.

9. Third-party services

Third-party service providers (such as hosting or analytics providers) may process information outside of Canada in accordance with their own privacy practices.

We use reputable providers and limit third-party access to what is necessary for site operation.

10. Your rights under PIPEDA

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information we hold about you
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Withdraw consent, subject to legal or operational limitations

Requests can be made using the contact information below.

11. Changes to this policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

12. Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests, please contact:

hello@canadahomecosts.ca

If you have a complaint about our privacy practices, you can contact us using the same address.