PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: February 19, 2026

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to The Ice Cream Truck's Privacy Policy. We know privacy policies can be a snooze-fest, so we’ve done our best to keep this simple, clear, and friendly.

We’re a family-run ice cream truck business serving events, schools, communities, and private bookings across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario and we care about your privacy while we bring the fun (and the frozen treats).

The Short Version: We only collect what we need to serve you ice cream and run our business. We don’t sell your info. Ever.

2. Who We Are

We're The Ice Cream Truck, a family-run mobile ice cream business operating in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. You can find us online at www.theicecreamtruck.ca or reach us at the contact info listed at the bottom of this policy.

3. Info We Collect (And Why)

Here’s what we might collect depending on how you interact with us and how we use it.

3.1 Info for Bookings

When you book us for an event, we collect things like:

Your name
Email address
Phone number
Event location (address/venue)
Event date and time
Any notes you share (like access details or treat preferences)

Why? So we can contact you, confirm details, and get the truck to the right place at the right time. When you book an event with us, you will receive email and text notifications regarding your booking status and updates. When you provide your email address to book an event, we may send you marketing emails to keep you updated on our latest news, offers, and events.

3.2 Text Notifications

If you sign up for text alerts (like truck updates or reminders), we collect:

Your phone number
Your permission to text you

Opt-out anytime: You can stop texts whenever you want by replying STOP.

3.3 The $2,000 Annual Giveaway

Our $2,000 Annual Giveaway is run through a physical paper stamp card program.

What we collect (and when):

We do not collect personal information just because you have a stamp card.
We only collect personal information when you submit your completed paper stamp card to enter the giveaway.

If you submit a completed paper card, we may collect:

Your name
Phone number
Email address
Mailing address
Your entry details (based on the completed card you submitted)

Why? To run the contest, confirm entries, contact winners, and deliver prizes.

3.4 Live Tracking

When you use our live tracking feature:

We only broadcast the GPS location of our trucks so you can see where they are.
Our website does not track your location.
If you want to see the closest truck, you manually select the city/area closest to you on our website.
We do not collect basic technical info like IP address, browser type, or device type.

3.5 Website Visitors

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

IP address
Browser type and version
Pages visited and time spent
Referring website (how you found us)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 8)

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Fulfill bookings: Schedule your event, show up at the right place and time, and provide the treats you ordered.
Communicate with you: Send booking confirmations, reminders, receipts, follow-ups and marketing emails.
Send text alerts: Let you know where our trucks are or tell you about special deals (only if you've opted in).
Run our giveaway: Track your entries, contact winners, and fulfill prizes.
Improve our service: Understand which treats are popular, where our customers are, and how we can serve you better.
Comply with the law: Keep records for tax, health and safety, and business compliance purposes.

5. Legal Basis for Processing (Canada)

We collect and use your personal information under the following legal grounds:

Consent: When you book an event, sign up for texts, or enter our giveaway, you're giving us permission to use your info for those purposes.
Contract Performance: We need your info to fulfill the service you've requested (like showing up to your event).
Legitimate Interests: We use some info (like website analytics) to improve our business and customer experience.
Legal Obligation: We keep certain records to comply with tax laws, health regulations, and business licensing requirements in BC, AB, and ON.

6. Text Message Alerts – Opt-In & Opt-Out

If you sign up for text alerts, here's what you need to know:

Opt-In: You'll only receive texts if you actively sign up by entering your information on our website.
Frequency: We'll send alerts about truck locations, special events, or promotions. Frequency varies but usually no more than a few times per month.
Opt-Out: You can stop receiving texts at any time by replying STOP to any message. You can also contact us directly (info below).
Costs: Standard message and data rates may apply based on your phone plan.

7. Sharing Your Information

We don’t sell your personal information. Period.

We may share your info only when it’s needed to run our business, including:

Our licensees (to fulfill bookings): If your booking is being handled by a local licensee, we’ll share the details they need (like your name, contact info, and event location) so they can confirm and show up ready to serve.
Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate (like payment processors, text message platforms, website hosting, and analytics). They can only use your info to provide services to us, not for their own marketing.
Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government authority (like the CRA), we may disclose information.
Business Transfers: If we ever sell or merge the business, information may be transferred as part of that deal (but it still has to be handled in line with this policy).

8. Live Tracking & Location Data

Our live tracking feature shows you where our trucks are in real-time. Here's how it works:

Truck Location: We broadcast the GPS location of our trucks so you can find us.
Your Location: Our website does not track your device location. If you want to find the closest truck, you manually select the city/area closest to you on our website.
No Creepy Stuff: We don’t track your personal movements or store your location history. We only show truck locations and use what you select to help you find ice cream.
No Technical Tracking: We do not collect basic technical info like IP address, browser type, and device type through the live tracking feature.

9. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies (small data files stored on your browser) to:

Remember your preferences
Analyze website traffic (using tools like Google Analytics)
Improve site performance and user experience

Your Choices:

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of our site may not work properly.
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.

10. How We Protect Your Information

We take data security seriously. We use:

Secure servers and encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)
Password-protected systems for internal access
Regular security reviews and updates

But here's the reality: No online system is 100% secure. While we do our best to protect your info, we can't guarantee absolute security. By using our services, you acknowledge this risk.

11. Data Retention – How Long We Keep Your Info

We keep your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, including:

Bookings: We keep booking info for 7 years to comply with tax and business record requirements.
Giveaway Entries: We keep entry data until the giveaway ends, then for 1 year afterward (in case of disputes).
Text Lists: We keep your phone number until you opt out.
Website Data: Analytics and cookies are typically retained for 2 years or less.

After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize your information.

12. Your Rights & Choices

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and provincial laws in BC, AB, and ON, you have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you.
Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccurate information.
Deletion: Request that we delete your information (subject to legal retention requirements).
Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing texts, emails, or data collection at any time.
Complain: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or your provincial privacy authority.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the info below.

13. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from kids under 13. If you're a parent or guardian and believe we've collected info from your child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

14. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to other sites (like social media or partner businesses). We're not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies before sharing your info with them.

15. Provincial Notes

Since we operate in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, here are some specific notes:

British Columbia (PIPA): BC residents have rights under the Personal Information Protection Act.
Alberta (PIPA): Alberta residents have similar rights under Alberta's PIPA.
Ontario: Ontario residents are protected by PIPEDA and sector-specific laws.

If you have questions about your provincial privacy rights, feel free to reach out.

16. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. When we do:

We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top.
If the changes are significant, we'll notify you by email or a notice on our website.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed.

17. Contact Us

Got questions, concerns, or want to exercise your privacy rights? We're here to help!

The Ice Cream Truck
Website: www.theicecreamtruck.ca
Mailing Address: 312 - 1581H Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 2C1

You can also file a complaint with:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Website: www.priv.gc.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-282-1376