By accessing and using Perth County’s website (www.perthcounty.ca), you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. If you do not agree, do not access or use this website.

I. Website Terms of Use

Disclaimer of Accuracy and Liability

The Corporation of the County of Perth (“Perth County”) makes reasonable efforts to ensure the information provided on this website is timely and accurate. However, all information is provided on an "as is" basis without any warranty, express or implied, as to its completeness, quality, accuracy, or fitness for any particular purpose.

1. Perth County is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that may arise from the use of, or the inability to use, any content on this website.
2. In the event of a discrepancy between content on this website and the information contained in Perth County’s official, hard-copy or digital records, the official records shall be deemed accurate.
3. The information provided herein is for general knowledge and is not intended as legal or professional advice. Users should independently verify all information before relying on it or taking action.
4. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Perth County disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from reliance on information contained on this website or from the use of any linked external resources.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

The content, structure, and design of this website are protected by copyright.

1. Unless otherwise stated, all materials on this website are property of Perth County.
2. Users may reproduce material from this website, in whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes only, provided they exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials and indicate Perth County is the source.
3. Reproduction of any materials on this website for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Perth County’s prior written permission.

External Links and Endorsement

For user convenience, Perth County’s website contains links to external, third-party websites, which may include but are not limited to third-party service providers hosting applications, processing online forms, or analyzing website usage.

1. Perth County makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of any linked external websites.
2. The inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by Perth County of any organization, product, service, or publication.
3. Perth County is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

User Responsibility and Acceptable Use

By using this website, users agree not to misuse the website, interfere with its operation, introduce malicious code, or attempt unauthorized access to any Perth County systems or data. Users are responsible for ensuring their use of the website complies with all applicable laws.

Communications

External communications received through www.perthcounty.ca or any associated social media channel are for public communication only. External communications shall in no way be deemed to constitute official legal notice to Perth County or any of its agencies, officers, or employees.

II. Website Privacy Policy

Commitment to Privacy

Perth County is committed to respecting user privacy and protecting user personal information. This Website Terms of Use, Privacy, and Accessibility Policy is designed to comply with Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSO 1990, c M56 (“MFIPPA”).

1. MFIPPA governs the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information by institutions, including municipalities, such as Perth County.
2. The purpose of MFIPPA is to provide a right of access to municipal records while protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information is held by institutions, including municipalities.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

Personal Information is information about an identifiable individual (e.g., name, address, email, phone number) as defined in MFIPPA.

1. Most of the information on Perth County’s website can be accessed anonymously without having to identify yourself.
2. Perth County only collects personal information specifically authorized by law, or where the information is necessary to administer a program, provide a service, or process a request users have voluntarily initiated (e.g., submitting an online form, application, or service request).
3. Personal information collected by Perth County is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected and in accordance with applicable records retention schedules and legislative requirements.
4. Where personal information is requested, a Notice of Collection will be provided, outlining:
1. The legal authority for the collection.
2. The principal purpose(s) for which the personal information is intended to be used.
3. The contact information of an employee who can answer questions about the collection.
5. Perth County will only use user personal information for the purpose it was collected, or for a consistent purpose, unless another use or disclosure is specifically authorized by law (e.g., a court order or subpoena).
6. Perth County will not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise disclose user personal information to any third party, except as required by law or to provide the service users requested.
7. While Perth County takes reasonable steps to protect personal information transmitted through its website, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. Users should be aware that communications sent via the internet may be subject to interception and should exercise discretion when submitting information online.

Automatic Collection of Non-Personal Information

When visiting the website, Perth County's web server automatically collects limited non-personal information to manage the website and assess its usage.

1. This information does not identify users personally.
2. It typically includes the user’s IP address, the type of web browser and operating system used, the date and time of the visit, and the pages visited.
3. This data is used to analyze website traffic trends, track user movement, and improve the website's design and functionality.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Perth County’s website may use cookies which are small data files placed on users’ device by a website to enhance user experience.

1. The website may use single-session cookies (to log a single visit) or multi-session/persistent cookies (for web analytics like Google Analytics) to gather statistical data about website use.
2. Cookies do not allow for the collection of personal information unless users have voluntarily provided it.
3. Users have the option to accept or decline cookies by modifying their browser settings. Declining cookies may limit the use of some interactive features on the website.

User Rights of Access and Correction

Under MFIPPA, users have a right to:

1. Access their own personal information held by the County.
2. Request a correction to their personal information if users believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

To make an access or correction request, users must submit a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) Request in writing to Perth County's Legislative Services department, along with the prescribed application fee.

III. Web Accessibility Statement

Perth County is committed to ensuring its website (www.perthcounty.ca) is accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities, in accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, SO 2005, c 11, and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (“IASR”).

Perth County strives to create an inclusive online environment that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.

Commitment to Standards

Perth County ensures its public website and web content conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, as required by the IASR.

1. Perth County is committed to making its website content Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust, allowing people with a diverse range of abilities to interact with the website.
2. Accessibility is an ongoing process and Perth County is dedicated to the continuous monitoring and remediation of its web content to enhance accessibility and user experience.

Provision of Accessible Information

Perth County recognizes that not all content, particularly certain third-party or archived documents, may currently be available in a fully accessible format.

1. Upon request, Perth County will make reasonable efforts to provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for information on the website that is within its control, as required under AODA.
2. Upon receipt of the request, Perth County will consult with the person making the request to determine the most appropriate and suitable accessible format or communication support for their needs. Perth County will make reasonable efforts to provide accessible formats or communication support as soon as practicable.
3. While striving to work with vendors who provide accessible content, Perth County cannot guarantee the accessibility of all linked external websites or documents created by third-party providers.

Submitting Feedback and Requests

Users feedback is essential to helping Perth County improve online accessibility. If users encounter any barriers or have difficulty accessing any part of the website, please contact Perth County.

• To report a barrier or request accessible information, please specify the page/URL of the barrier and describe the nature of the difficulty.

Perth County will respond to user feedback in a timely manner and take appropriate action to address the concerns.

General Provisions

1. If any provisions of this Website Terms of Use, Privacy, and Accessibility Policy is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
2. This Website Terms of Use, Privacy, and Accessibility Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes arising from the use of this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.
3. Perth County reserves the right to update or amend this Website Terms of Use, Privacy and Accessibility Policy at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the website. Users are encouraged to review this page periodically. The “Last Updated” date will reflect the most recent revision.

Contact Information

For any questions about this Website Terms of Use, Privacy and Accessibility Policy, or to submit a formal MFIPPA request, please contact:

Perth County Legislative Services Division
Address: 1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 5S4
Telephone: 519-271-0531