Privacy Policy

FenceFinder.ca ("FenceFinder", "we", "us", or "our") operates as a free fence contractor matching service for Ottawa homeowners. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website at fencefinder.ca.

By using our site, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use FenceFinder.ca.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Homeowners: When you submit a quote request, we collect your name, email address, phone number, Ottawa neighbourhood, fence type, and estimated footage.
• Contractors: When you apply to join our network, we collect your business name, contact name, phone, email, Ontario business registration number, WSIB information, insurance details, service areas, and fence specialties.
• Contact form: When you send us a message, we collect your name, email, and the content of your message.

Information collected automatically:

• IP address and general location (city/region level)
• Browser type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website

2. How We Use It

We use the information we collect to:

• Match homeowners with up to 3 pre-screened Ottawa fence contractors
• Notify matched contractors of new leads by email
• Send homeowners a confirmation of their quote request
• Review and process contractor applications
• Respond to contact form messages
• Improve our website and matching algorithm
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Who We Share It With

Matched contractors: When we match you with contractors, your name, phone number, email, neighbourhood, fence type, and footage estimate are shared with those specific contractors so they can contact you with a quote.

Service providers: We use trusted third-party services to operate FenceFinder, including:

• Copper CRM — to manage and track leads (copper.com)
• Anthropic Claude API — to power our on-site chat assistant and personalize contractor email notifications
• WordPress hosting provider — to host this website

These providers only receive the data needed to perform their specific function and are bound by their own privacy policies.

Legal requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of FenceFinder, our users, or the public.

4. Cookies

FenceFinder.ca uses cookies — small text files stored in your browser — for the following purposes:

• Essential cookies: Required for the site to function (e.g., WordPress session cookies for contractor portal login)
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it

You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies will prevent contractor portal login from working.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to provide our service and comply with legal obligations:

• Homeowner lead data: Retained for 2 years from submission, then deleted
• Contractor application data: Retained for the duration of the contractor relationship, plus 1 year after termination
• Contact form messages: Retained for 1 year

You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us (see Section 9).

6. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial legislation, you have the right to:

• Access — request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction — request that inaccurate information be corrected
• Deletion — request that your personal information be deleted
• Withdraw consent — opt out of non-essential communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details in Section 9. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Children's Privacy

FenceFinder.ca is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 16. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of FenceFinder.ca after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your rights, or have a privacy concern, please contact us: