What this page covers
This Cookie Policy explains the categories of cookies and similar technologies used on MapOfOntario.com, who sets them, what they are used for, and how you can control them. It complements our Privacy Policy, which describes our broader data practices.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your browser when you visit a website. Cookies allow a site to recognize your device on subsequent visits and to remember information such as preferences, session state, and analytics or advertising identifiers. Some cookies are set by the site you are visiting (first-party cookies); others are set by third-party services embedded on the page, such as ad providers and analytics tools.
Other technologies that work similarly to cookies include web beacons (small image files used to detect page views), local storage (data held by your browser without expiry), and pixels used by advertising platforms. Throughout this page the word "cookies" covers all of these.
Categories of cookies on this site
1. Strictly necessary cookies
Required for the basic operation of the Site. These cannot be turned off through our settings, but you can block them in your browser at the cost of breaking parts of the site.
| Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| MapOfOntario.com (first-party) | Remembering your preferences, retaining session state on interactive maps | Session and up to 1 year |
2. Analytics cookies
Help us understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve it. The information collected is aggregated.
| Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
Google Analytics 4 (G-Z4S7SV91D5) — _ga, _ga_* | Distinguishing unique visitors, measuring page views, traffic sources, and on-site engagement | Up to 2 years |
Opt-out: Install the official Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, or block analytics cookies in your browser settings.
3. Advertising cookies
Set by Google AdSense, Ezoic, and their advertising partners to deliver ads, prevent the same ad from being shown too many times, measure ad performance, and (where you have not opted out) personalize ads based on your interests.
| Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
Google AdSense / DoubleClick — IDE, NID, __gads, __gpi | Ad delivery, frequency capping, measurement, ad personalization | Up to 2 years |
Ezoic — ezoic_*, ez*, active_template::* | Ad placement, A/B testing of layouts, performance optimization, fraud protection | Session up to 1 year |
| Other ad partners working with Google / Ezoic | Bidding, audience matching, measurement | Varies; commonly up to 13 months |
How to opt out of personalized advertising:
- Manage Google ad personalization at Google Ads Settings.
- Read Google's advertising policies and technologies page for details on what data is processed.
- Opt out of multiple US/Canadian advertising networks at once via aboutads.info/choices.
- Use the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool at YourOnlineChoices.com.
- For Ezoic-specific privacy controls, see Ezoic's privacy policy.
4. Performance and functional cookies
Used to improve site speed, load assets such as map tiles efficiently, and remember non-essential preferences.
| Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| OpenStreetMap tile servers, Leaflet CDN (unpkg) | Caching map tiles and library code for faster page loads | Browser cache (varies) |
Managing cookies in your browser
Most browsers let you see, manage, and delete cookies, and block cookies from specific sites. Quick links:
- Chrome:
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data - Firefox:
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data - Safari:
Preferences → Privacy - Edge:
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
For general guidance on cookies, including how to clear them on different devices, see allaboutcookies.org.
Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Because the standard for honouring DNT is not consistent across the web, this Site does not currently respond to DNT browser signals. You can still control tracking through the opt-out tools listed above and through your browser's cookie controls.
Children
This Site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly use cookies to build profiles of children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies used or in applicable law. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of the page indicates when the policy was most recently checked. Material changes will be highlighted on the homepage or in a notice on this page.
Contact
Questions about cookies on this Site can be sent to [email protected].