Privacy Policy
This document outlines the privacy policy for Ground Control Lawn Care Services (“GCLCS”) and its website. This policy is effective as of January 1, 2025, and was last updated on March 28, 2025. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this policy or the privacy practices of GCLCS, please contact us at info@gclcs.ca.
This privacy policy informs users of the GCLCS website about the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information. GCLCS is dedicated to protecting the privacy of its customers and website visitors in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable privacy laws in Ontario, Canada.
What information we collect
GCLCS collects personal information to provide its services and operate its website. When customers request a quote or services, GCLCS collects their name, email address, phone number, and property address. Additionally, property details like square footage and specific features, along with requested services and instructions, are captured to prepare accurate quotes and fulfill service requests.
GCLCS uses Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Tags, and reCAPTCHA to automatically collect certain website visitor data, which may include IP addresses (with an aim to limit personally identifiable information tracking), browser and operating system types, referring websites, visited pages, and access times, to analyze website traffic and user behavior.
GCLCS also integrates with YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Business to enhance user experience and provide relevant service information. These services may collect and process user data according to their respective privacy policies. See https://business.safety.google/privacy/ for more details.
GCLCS does not collect sensitive personal information like medical or financial details.
Why we collect this information
The primary purposes for collecting personal information are to understand customer needs, provide tailored service quotes, fulfill requested lawn care services, manage customer accounts, and communicate effectively with customers.
Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Tags help analyze website traffic, user behavior, and the effectiveness of advertising campaigns to improve website functionality and marketing strategies. Google reCAPTCHA is used to prevent spam and protect the integrity of website interactions.
YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Business services enhance website functionality by providing informational videos, location-based services, and customer reviews.
GCLCS may also retain personal information for legal and regulatory compliance. Personal information may also be used for internal business purposes like record keeping and data analysis to improve processes.
How information is collected, used, and retained
Personal information is collected directly from users when they fill out website forms, request quotes via email or phone, or communicate with GCLCS representatives.
Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Tags, and reCAPTCHA use cookies and similar technologies to automatically collect website usage data. Users can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or adjusting their browser settings to block cookies. Google Ads preferences can be managed through Google’s Ads Settings.
GCLCS does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. However, information may be shared with trusted third-party service providers who assist in service delivery, under agreements ensuring comparable privacy safeguards. Disclosure may also occur if required by law or in the event of a business transaction like a merger or acquisition, where the acquiring party will be bound by applicable privacy laws and confidentiality agreements.
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, and for a reasonable period afterward for customer service, record keeping, and potential legal claims. Customer contact and service details are typically retained for this period. Google Analytics data may be kept longer in anonymized and aggregated form for analysis, according to Google’s policies – https://business.safety.google/privacy/. When no longer needed, personal information is securely destroyed, erased, or anonymized.
How we secure your personal information
GCLCS employs various security measures to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. These include secure servers, data encryption during transmission, restricted access to authorized personnel, and ongoing implementation of physical, technical, and administrative safeguards. While GCLCS strives for robust security, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.
Consent to using information collected
Consent for collecting, using, and disclosing personal information is implied when users request quotes or services, as it is necessary for those purposes. By continuing to use the GCLCS website, users consent to the collection of data through Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Tags, reCAPTCHA, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Business in accordance with Google’s Privacy Policy located at https://business.safety.google/privacy/
Users can manage their data preferences by adjusting browser settings, opting out of Google Analytics tracking, managing Google Ads settings, or disabling cookies. Users can withdraw their consent at any time by contacting GCLCS, although this may affect the ability to provide certain services.
Your rights to your data
Under PIPEDA, individuals have the right to request access to their personal information held by GCLCS and to request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information. Users can also withdraw their consent for collection, use, or disclosure, subject to legal or contractual limitations. To exercise these rights, contact GCLCS’s privacy contact. Individuals also have the right to challenge GCLCS’s compliance with PIPEDA by contacting the privacy contact or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if their concerns remain unresolved.
The GCLCS website may contain links to third-party websites, and GCLCS is not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Users should review the privacy policies of these external sites.
GCLCS may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on the GCLCS website with a revised effective date. Users are encouraged to review this policy regularly. Continued use of the website or services after policy changes signifies acceptance of the updated policy.
For any questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact us at info@gclcs.ca
Conclusion
GCLCS is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected from customers and website visitors in accordance with PIPEDA and applicable Ontario privacy laws. This policy aims to provide transparency about data handling practices and build trust with our customers.
