This site is owned and operated by the Town of Westlock using software licensed from Social Pinpoint. We take appropriate measures to safeguard personal information and use encryption, access controls, and other security measures to protect it. For details on what personal information we may collect and access, please refer to Social Pinpoint's Privacy Policy.

Users have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal information, subject to certain exceptions. For details on exercising these rights, or for any questions or concerns regarding our privacy practices, please contact us at communications@westlock.ca.

This privacy policy may change from time to time, and any changes will be communicated to users through the site.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The Town of Westlock (“we,” “us,” or “the Town”) is committed to protecting your privacy when using the Town’s Social Pinpoint engagement platform (“the site”). As a public body in Alberta, we collect, use, disclose, and retain personal information in accordance with the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA).

This Privacy Policy outlines what information we collect on the platform, how we use it, and the measures in place to safeguard your personal information.

How Social Pinpoint Operates

This site is owned and operated by the Town of Westlock, using software licensed from Social Pinpoint Pty Ltd. The platform is hosted and secured by Social Pinpoint under contract with the Town. Social Pinpoint may access data only as required for technical support, maintenance, and system monitoring, in compliance with ATIA/POPA.

The Town retains custody and control of all personal information collected through the platform.

Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide Voluntarily

When participating in engagement activities (surveys, maps, discussions, uploads), we may collect:

  • Name (or screen name)
  • Email address
  • Responses, comments, survey answers, or feedback
  • Uploaded images or documents
  • Postal code or neighbourhood (if requested for context)
  • Any other information identified at the point of collection

At each point where personal information is requested, we will tell you:

  • What we are collecting
  • Why we need it
  • How it will be used

2. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit or browse the site, the following information is collected in aggregate and without identifying you:

  • IP address or internet domain
  • Browser type and operating system
  • Date and time of visit
  • Pages viewed
  • Time spent on pages
  • Referring site (if any)
  • General interaction data (e.g., map tools, clicks, navigation patterns)

This helps us improve accessibility, performance, and user experience.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The platform uses cookies to support essential functions, including:

  • Keeping you logged in
  • Tracking which tools you have interacted with
  • Ensuring map and survey tools load correctly

Cookies are not used to track your activity across unrelated websites, nor to build personal profiles. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but certain features may not function properly.

How We Use Your Information

Personal information collected through Social Pinpoint is used only for:

  • Understanding community feedback on Town projects
  • Responding to inquiries or follow-up questions (if you provide contact details)
  • Identifying trends and participation patterns
  • Supporting project planning and engagement reporting
  • Moderation and ensuring the platform remains safe and respectful
  • Fulfilling obligations under ATIA/POPA

We do not use personal information for marketing or advertising. We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We disclose personal information only:
  • As required by ATIA/POPA
  • With your explicit consent
  • To Social Pinpoint, solely for technical support or system maintenance
  • When necessary to prevent misuse, protect system integrity, or address security concerns
  • When responding to a lawful ATIA access request

Any content you post publicly — comments, ideas, photos, mapping pins — may remain visible indefinitely unless removed according to our Moderation Policy or at your request, where appropriate.

Protection, Storage, and Retention

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:

  • Encryption
  • Access controls and role-based permissions
  • Secure data hosting by Social Pinpoint
  • Auditing and monitoring for unauthorized access

We retain personal information only for as long as required to fulfill its purpose or as mandated by ATIA/POPA.

Your Rights

Under ATIA/POPA, you have the right to:

  • Access your own personal information
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Request removal of user-submitted content (where permitted)
  • Withdraw consent for optional uses of your information

To make a request or ask questions, please contact: communications@westlock.ca | 780-349-4444

Formal ATIA access requests for records can also be submitted to the Town of Westlock.

External Websites

The platform may contain links to third-party websites. The Town is not responsible for their privacy practices, policies, or content. We encourage users to review external site policies before sharing information.

Children and Youth

If you are under 18, please ensure your parent or guardian understands this Privacy Policy before you participate. Some tools may require parental consent depending on the project.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology, or engagement practices. Updated versions will be posted on this site. Continuing to use the platform after changes means you accept the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Town of Westlock

10003 – 106 Street

Westlock, AB T7P 2K3

Phone: 780-349-4444

Email: communications@westlock.ca