Introduction

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is committed to protecting the privacy of people whose personal information is held by government through responsible information management practices. Any personal information provided to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other applicable legislation.

Protecting your personal information is an obligation the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen takes seriously. Our practices have been designed to ensure compliance with the privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (British Columbia) ("FIPPA"). Any personal or proprietary information you provide to us through this website or other RDOS managed public engagement websites (https://rdosregionalconnections.ca), the purpose of which is to provide feedback or other pertinent information to the RDOS, is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with FIPPA.

Questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this personal information can be directed to:
Corporate Officer/Deputy CAO
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
101 Martin Street
Penticton, BC
250-492-0237

What is Personal Information?

Personal information is recorded information about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes such things as an individual's name, address, birth date, e-mail address and phone number.

What kind of information is being collected?

If you visit the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen web site to browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store certain information about the visit. The following information is automatically collected and stored:

•  The Internet Protocol Address and domain name used. The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. This address can be translated to determine the domain name of your service provider (e.g. rdos.bc.ca, xcompany.com or yourschool.edu);

•  The type of browser and operating system;

•  The date and time of the visit; and

•  The web pages or services accessed.

Information collected automatically is used for purposes such as assessing system performance, improving web services and web site management. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen does not use this data to determine your identity unless required to do so as part of an internal investigation or other law enforcement purpose.

Information Collected Directly From You

Personal information collected, used, disclosed and retained by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen website is done so under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other relevant legislation. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected or for a use consistent with that purpose unless you expressly consent otherwise. We do not disclose your information to other public bodies or individuals except as authorized by the FOIPP Act.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen does not collect personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to use specific online services. However, if you choose not to provide the information required for online services you may still be able to access regional district services by traditional methods such as personal contact, fax or mail. Your decision not to participate in electronic service delivery activities will not impair your ability to browse the web site, read or download any information provided on the site.

What safeguards are in place?

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is obligated to protect your personal information by making reasonable security arrangements against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or disposal. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day operating practices as part of the Regional District’s continuing commitment to the protection of personal information it holds.

How long is information retained?

The length of retention will vary in relation to the nature of the service. If the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen uses your personal information to make a decision that directly affects you, it must retain that information for at least one year so that you have a reasonable opportunity to obtain access to it. Information collected or created by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is maintained in accordance with Local Government Management Association Records Retention Schedule and other legislative requirements.

How can I access and correct information I submit to a web site?

You can review any personal information collected about you by submitting a Freedom of Information request. You may request changes or annotate your personal information if you believe it to be inaccurate by submitting a written request describing the error.

Links to other sites

Visitors should be aware that Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen web sites may include links to web sites operated by other government agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses. When you link to another site, this privacy policy will not apply, however, you may be subject to the privacy policy of that new site, if one exists. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file stored on your computer by your web browser when using some internet sites. Cookies can also store personal information such as your name, e-mail address, home or work address, or telephone number. Persistent cookies can use this type of personal information to identify you whenever you access a web site. Sessional cookies are used to help you move around our web site and do not store personal information. Sessional cookies are valid only during the time you are actually using the web site.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen does not use persistent cookies (which may store personal information) but may use sessional cookies (which do not store personal information).

Who to contact for more information about this privacy policy.

Any questions regarding this privacy policy, or for general information regarding the FOIPP Act, can be directed to the Legislative Services Department.

If you have a complaint or concern about your personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Department. If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction the FOIPP Act provides a mechanism for independent review by contacting the Information and Privacy Commissioner.