Cookie Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences, understanding how you use our services, and improving website functionality.

This Cookie Policy explains how Lakeside Culinary Classes uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, in compliance with Canadian privacy laws including the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality and security features:

  • Session management for contact forms and user interactions
  • Security features and spam protection
  • Load balancing and website stability
  • Cookie consent preferences
  • Form submission and data processing

Legal basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our services and legitimate business interests.

2.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website, which helps us improve our services and user experience:

  • Page views, user behavior tracking, and navigation patterns
  • Class page visits and interest tracking
  • Website performance monitoring and error tracking
  • Traffic sources and referral analysis
  • Device and browser usage statistics (anonymized)

Legal basis: Your consent, which you can withdraw at any time.

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization features:

  • Remembering your preferences and settings
  • Language and region preferences
  • Contact form pre-fill for returning visitors
  • Customized content based on your interests

Legal basis: Your consent and legitimate interests in providing enhanced services.

3. Third-Party Cookies and Services

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies on our website. These services help us deliver and improve our services:

  • Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): For faster loading of website resources and improved performance
  • Analytics Services: To understand website usage patterns and user behavior (data is anonymized where possible)
  • Email Services: For contact form submissions and newsletter delivery
  • Social Media Plugins: If you interact with social media links or buttons (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
  • Security Services: For protection against malicious attacks and spam

We ensure that third-party services we use have appropriate privacy protections and data processing agreements in place.

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Access detailed information about our cookie practices

4.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

You can withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time by:

  • Clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site
  • Contacting us directly using the information in Section 7
  • Using browser settings to block cookies from our domain

5. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain types of cookies, some features of our website may not function properly:

  • Essential cookies: Disabling these may prevent basic website functionality, form submissions, and secure access
  • Analytics cookies: Disabling these won't affect functionality but prevents us from improving our services based on usage data
  • Functional cookies: Disabling these may result in loss of personalized features and saved preferences

We respect your choice to disable cookies while ensuring essential website functions remain available.

6. Data Retention and Security

Information collected through cookies is retained for different periods based on the type of cookie:

  • Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent cookies: Stored for specific periods (typically 30 days to 2 years)
  • Analytics data: Anonymized and retained for up to 2 years for trend analysis

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data and ensure it is not accessible to unauthorized parties.

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

For significant changes that affect your rights, we will provide additional notice as required by applicable law.

8. Contact Us

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

Lakeside Culinary Classes
Email: lakesideculinaryclasses@gmail.com

Please mark correspondence "Attention: Privacy Officer" for privacy-related inquiries.

For more information about your privacy rights under Canadian law, you may also contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia at www.oipc.bc.ca or 1-800-663-7867.