This Cookie Policy explains how WeCircle uses cookies, browser storage, and similar technologies on wecircle.ca. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help sites remember preferences, keep sessions secure, and understand how visitors use pages. We also use local storage in your browser to remember your cookie consent choice.
How you control cookies
When you first visit wecircle.ca, a banner asks you to choose:
- Accept all — essential cookies plus Google Analytics
- Essential only — only cookies and storage required for the site and forms to work; Analytics is not loaded
Your choice is saved in local storage as wecircle_cookie_consent so the banner does not reappear on every visit. To change your mind, clear site data for wecircle.ca in your browser settings — the banner will show again.
Cookies and technologies we use
1. Strictly necessary (always used)
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Laravel session cookie | Keeps the website session secure (CSRF protection on forms; admin login session for authorized users). Our sessions are stored server-side in our database. | Session / up to 2 hours of inactivity |
| CSRF token | Prevents cross-site request forgery on form submissions (Join and Contact forms). | Session |
wecircle_cookie_consent (local storage) |
Remembers whether you accepted all cookies or essential only. | Until you clear browser storage |
2. Analytics (only with “Accept all”)
If you consent, we load Google Analytics 4 using the measurement ID configured in our site environment (GOOGLE_ANALYTICS_ID).
- Why: to see aggregate statistics such as page views, referral sources, and general traffic patterns so we can improve the website
- Data: Google may collect pseudonymous usage data; we enable IP anonymization in our Analytics configuration
- Provider privacy: Google Privacy Policy
3. Functional / security (form pages)
Google reCAPTCHA v3 runs on our Join and Contact pages to score interactions and block automated spam. It may set cookies or collect device signals processed by Google even if you chose “Essential only,” because spam protection is necessary to operate those forms safely.
- Why: protect join registrations and contact messages from bots
- Provider terms: Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms
What we do not use
- Advertising or retargeting pixels
- Social media tracking pixels on the Site
- Third-party marketing cookies
Browser controls
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Blocking all cookies may prevent forms from working correctly. Refer to your browser’s help section for instructions (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
Updates
If we add new cookies or change how we use them, we will update this policy and the cookie banner text where appropriate.
Contact
Questions? Email [email protected].