CheapGasVancouver.ca ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect when you visit cheapgasvancouver.ca, how we use it, and what rights you have. If you have questions, email us at [email protected].

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Server Access Logs

Like virtually all web servers, our Nginx server automatically records a brief log entry for each HTTP request. These logs include your IP address, the URL requested, HTTP status code, browser user-agent string, and timestamp. We retain these logs for up to 30 days for security and debugging purposes. We do not sell or share raw server log data with third parties. The nearby-search API route is excluded from this origin access log so its latitude/longitude query parameters are not recorded there.

1.2 Location Data

If you use the "Nearest to Me" feature, your browser asks for permission to share your device's GPS coordinates. If you grant permission, your latitude and longitude are transmitted over HTTPS to our API server as query parameters (e.g.,?lat=49.28&lng=-123.12). These coordinates are used only to filter and sort the list of nearby gas stations. They are not stored in our application database, associated with a user profile, or included in analytics events. They exist in application memory only for the duration of the API request. As with other HTTPS requests, our hosting and content-delivery providers necessarily process the request to deliver and secure the service under their own privacy terms.

You can also search by postal code instead, which is even less precise and does not reveal your exact location.

1.3 Contact Form Submissions

If you submit a message through our Contact page, we collect your name, email address, and message content. This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry. We do not add you to any mailing list without your explicit consent.

1.4 Cookies and Local Storage

CheapGasVancouver.ca itself does not set any tracking cookies. We use no session cookies or persistent local storage beyond what your browser naturally caches for performance (e.g., static assets).

However, third-party services we use (see Section 3) may set their own cookies in your browser.

2. How We Use Your Information

To provide the core gas price comparison service.
To filter stations by proximity when you share your location.
To respond to contact form messages.
To monitor server health, diagnose errors, and prevent abuse.
To understand aggregate traffic patterns (total page views, popular routes).

We do not use your information for targeted advertising or build personal profiles.

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 Google AdSense

We display ads through Google AdSense. Google may use cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to our site or other sites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings. Google's privacy policy is available at policies.google.com/privacy.

3.2 OpenStreetMap / Leaflet

The interactive map uses Leaflet with OpenStreetMap tiles. Map tile images are loaded from tile.openstreetmap.org servers. Your browser sends a standard HTTP request to those servers to download tiles, which may include your IP address. OpenStreetMap's privacy policy is at wiki.osmfoundation.org.

3.3 Fuel Price API Provider

Gas price data is pulled server-side by our backend from a third-party Canadian fuel price API. Your browser never contacts this API directly. Our server queries the API on a schedule using an API key — no personal user data is sent to the API.

4. Data Retention

Server access logs are automatically deleted after 30 days. Gas station price data in our database is retained indefinitely (it forms the history of prices). Contact form submissions are retained in our email inbox and deleted within 90 days of the conversation being resolved.

5. Your Rights (PIPEDA)

Under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have the right to:

Know what personal information we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate information.
Withdraw consent for our use of your information.
Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected].

6. Children's Privacy

CheapGasVancouver.ca is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

8. Contact

For any privacy-related inquiries: [email protected]

Privacy Policy