The Business Places

Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 25, 2026

The Business Places (“we”, “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the choices you have. We handle personal information in accordance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and, for residents of Quebec, the province’s Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (Law 25).

1. Information we collect

Information you give us. When you submit the feedback / bug-report form, ask to add or claim a business listing, or email us, we collect the information you choose to provide — such as your name, email address, the business details you submit, and the content of your message.

Information collected automatically. When you visit the site, our servers and analytics automatically record limited technical information, including your IP address, approximate location derived from that IP address (used to pre-fill your city so we can show nearby results), browser and device type, the pages you view, and the date and time of your visit.

Cookies. We use cookies, including analytics cookies (Google Analytics), to measure aggregate traffic and improve the site. By continuing to use the site, you consent to our use of cookies. You can block or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings; some features may not work if you do.

2. Business listing information

The directory itself is built from business information — such as business names, addresses, phone numbers, and websites — compiled from publicly available and open-data sources, and from details submitted by business owners. This is generally business contact information rather than personal information. If you are a business owner and would like your listing corrected, updated, or removed, see “Your rights” below.

3. How we use your information

  • To operate, maintain, and improve the directory and show you relevant local results;
  • To respond to your feedback, bug reports, listing requests, and other enquiries;
  • To detect, prevent, and address abuse, spam, security issues, and technical problems; and
  • To comply with our legal obligations.

We do not use your information for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects about you.

4. Consent

By using the site and providing information to us, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy. Where the law requires it, we will obtain your express consent for specific purposes. You may withdraw your consent at any time (subject to legal or contractual restrictions) by contacting us; withdrawing consent may limit our ability to provide certain features.

5. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only as needed:

  • Service providers who help us run the site — such as our web host and analytics provider — who may process information only on our instructions and are required to protect it;
  • Legal reasons — where we are required to disclose information by law, or to protect our rights, users, or the public.

6. Where your information is stored

Our website is hosted in Canada. Some service providers we rely on may process limited information outside your province or country; where that happens, the information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is handled. We take reasonable steps to ensure your information receives an appropriate level of protection.

7. How long we keep it

We keep personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law, after which it is deleted or de-identified.

8. How we protect it

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access, disclosure, or use. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you may:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you and ask how it is used;
  • Correct or update information that is inaccurate or incomplete;
  • Withdraw consent to our use of your information; and
  • ask us to delete information we are no longer required to keep.

If you are a resident of Quebec, Law 25 also gives you the right to request that your information be de-indexed or ceased to be disseminated in certain circumstances, and, where technically feasible, the right to receive computerized personal information you provided in a structured, commonly used format (data portability). To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the form below. If you are not satisfied with our response, Quebec residents may file a complaint with the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI), and others may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

10. Children

The Service is intended for a general, business-seeking audience and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes take effect when posted here, and the “Last updated” date will be revised. Material changes will be highlighted where appropriate.

12. Contact us / person responsible for privacy

The person responsible for the protection of personal information at The Business Places is our Privacy Officer. For any privacy question, or to exercise your rights, please reach us through our contact form and select the “Privacy request” topic. We will respond within the timeframes required by applicable law.