Privacy statement

This website, and our practices, have been designed to ensure compliance with the privacy provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). By visiting www.kitchener.ca visitors are accepting the practices described in this privacy statement.  

Collection of personal information  

The City only collects personal information that is required to provide its programs and services, unless expressly stated otherwise at the time of collection. Wherever possible, such information will be collected directly from the individual to whom it pertains. The amount and type of information collected will be limited to what is necessary to fulfill the identified purpose(s). 

Prior to collecting personal information, the City must obtain consent from affected individuals for specific uses and disclosures, unless permitted otherwise by legislation. Where possible, consent will be express (rather than implied) and provided in writing. 

Whenever the City collects personal information, a Notice of Collection shall be provided in advance, and explicit consent must be obtained from the affected individual, unless legislation permits otherwise. 

Use and disclosure of personal information 

Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with MFIPPA. We will not sell, share, or rent your personal information to any third party; although, personal information may be shared with third parties who assist the City to administer programming if this is expressly stated at the time of collection. The City will only use or disclose your personal information in accordance with what is permitted under MFIPPA. The City uses encryption technology to keep any personal information collected through the site confidential. All user information is maintained in a secure environment only accessible by authorized personnel.  

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and Routine Disclosure 

The City of is committed to transparency and routinely makes information available to the public in accordance with its Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy.  Some records, however, may be subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and require a formal access to information request prior to disclosure.  

In accordance with the City’s Privacy Policy, the City of Kitchener is committed to being open, accessible and transparent in its actions while safeguarding the privacy of individuals by protecting the personal information in the City’s custody or control. The City is required to handle information according to responsibilities and requirements set out under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other applicable access and privacy legislation. 

Analytics and tracking

When you browse the City's website our servers automatically collect limited amounts of standard information for traffic monitoring and statistical purposes. This information does not identify a visitor personally and is only used to administer the site and identify usage trends to improve the website. Our web logs store the domain name and IP address from which the City's website was accessed; the type of browser and operating system used; the date and time the site was accessed; the pages visited, and; the region of the world from which the site was accessed.  

We partner with GHD, Cludo, Microsoft Clarity, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Meta, LinkedIn and ActiveNet to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session data to optimize user experience and improve marketing. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine online activity. 

If you use these third-party services, you are subject to the privacy policies of these third-party services, including but not limited to GHD, Cludo, Microsoft Clarity, Google, Meta, LinkedIn and/or ActiveNet.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings or opt out of third-party service tracking by visiting their websites. 

Cookie practices 

The City's website uses cookies to improve users' experience. A “cookie" is a small text file that is stored on a user's computer, placed there by a web server for future access and retrieval of stored information. All employees and processors who have access to your cookies are obliged to respect the confidentiality of that information. Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. Be aware that by declining cookies some interactive features or online services that depend on cookies may not function as intended.  

Links to external websites

The City’s websites may contain links to external websites that are created and operated by independent bodies and are therefore not under the control of the City. These external websites have their own terms of use, policies, procedures, and privacy practices. 

The City is not responsible for and makes no express or implied representations or warranties regarding the products, services, or information found on these linked websites. 

Contact us

If you have any concerns about the privacy of your information in relation to the City of Kitchener’s website, please contact the Access and Privacy Specialist.