Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Vertical Gardens Canada ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides more information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should set your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our website.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners about how users interact with their sites.

Cookies can be "session cookies" (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device until deleted or expired). They can also be "first-party cookies" (set by the website you're visiting) or "third-party cookies" (set by other websites that provide content on the site you're visiting).

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several purposes to enhance your experience on our website:

3.1 Essential Functionality

• Remembering your cookie preferences and consent choices
• Maintaining your session as you navigate through our website
• Ensuring security and preventing fraudulent activity
• Enabling core website functionality and features

3.2 Performance and Analytics

• Understanding how visitors use our website and which pages are most popular
• Identifying technical issues and improving website performance
• Measuring the effectiveness of our content and services
• Generating statistical reports about website usage

3.3 Personalization

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Customizing content and recommendations based on your interests
• Providing location-relevant information and services

3.4 Marketing and Advertising

• Delivering relevant advertisements based on your interests
• Measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns
• Preventing the same advertisement from appearing too frequently
• Tracking conversions and customer acquisition

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function correctly and cannot be disabled. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms.

4.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how you use our website, such as which pages you visit most often and any error messages you receive. This information helps us improve website performance.

4.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences or providing customized content based on your location.

4.4 Marketing Cookies

These cookies track your browsing habits to deliver advertising that is relevant to you and your interests. They also limit the number of times you see an advertisement.

5. Third-Party Cookies

We work with several third-party services that may set cookies on our website:

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about your visit, including pages viewed, time spent on the site, and how you arrived at our site. This information is used to compile reports and help us improve our website.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or by adjusting your cookie preferences.

5.2 Social Media Platforms

Our website includes social media sharing buttons and embedded content from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These platforms may set cookies when you interact with their content on our site.

5.3 Advertising Networks

We may work with advertising networks that use cookies to deliver targeted advertisements based on your browsing behavior across different websites.

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to choose which types of cookies you accept. You can:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies for the best website experience
• Necessary Only: Accept only essential cookies required for basic functionality
• Custom Settings: Choose specific categories of cookies to accept

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer or by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site.

6.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually find cookie controls in the "Privacy" or "Security" section of your browser settings. Common options include:

• Blocking all cookies
• Allowing cookies only from sites you visit directly
• Blocking third-party cookies
• Clearing cookies when you close your browser

6.3 Browser-Specific Instructions

Here are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Edge

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you have the right to disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our website:

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may prevent certain website features from working correctly, including form submissions, secure login areas, and shopping cart functionality.

7.2 Performance Cookies

Disabling performance cookies means we won't be able to collect information about how you use our website, which may limit our ability to improve your experience and fix technical issues.

7.3 Functional Cookies

Without functional cookies, our website won't remember your preferences, and you may need to re-enter information during each visit.

7.4 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies means you may see less relevant advertisements, but it won't stop advertising entirely. You may still see generic advertisements that aren't targeted to your interests.

8. Mobile Devices and Apps

If you access our website through a mobile device or app, cookies may work differently. Mobile devices may use alternative technologies such as:

• Mobile advertising IDs
• Local storage
• Device fingerprinting
• App-specific tracking technologies

You can usually control these technologies through your device settings or app preferences.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or the technologies we use. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you through our cookie consent banner or email
• Provide you with an opportunity to review and accept the changes

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

11. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find these resources helpful:

• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
• All About Cookies
• Your Online Choices
• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on