Terms of Service
Buy Local Creston Valley & Kootenay Lake
Operated by Hello Agency Inc.
Last Updated: 23rd June, 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Buy Local Creston Valley & Kootenay Lake. This website and business directory platform (the “Platform”) is owned and operated by Hello Agency Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada. By visiting our Platform and accessing the information, resources, services, products, and tools we provide, you understand and agree to accept and adhere to the following terms and conditions as stated in this agreement (the “Terms of Service” or “Agreement”), along with the terms and conditions as stated in our Privacy Policy.
This Agreement is effective as of 23rd June, 2025.
We reserve the right to change these Terms of Service from time to time without prior notice. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically to familiarize yourself with any modifications. Your continued use of this Platform after such modifications will constitute acknowledgment and agreement of the modified terms and conditions.
Definitions
“Platform” means the Buy Local Creston Valley & Kootenay Lake website, mobile applications, and related services.
“Business User” means any individual or entity that registers a business on our Platform.
“Visitor” means any person who browses or uses the Platform without registering a business.
“Content” means all information, data, text, images, videos, and other materials submitted to or displayed on the Platform.
“Services” means all services provided through the Platform, including the business directory, advertising platform features, and related tools.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this Platform.
Platform Purpose and Services
Buy Local Creston Valley & Kootenay Lake operates as a business directory and advertising platform designed to:
- Connect local businesses with potential customers
- Provide advertising opportunities for registered businesses
- Promote local commerce in the Creston Valley and Kootenay Lake region
- Facilitate business discovery for residents and visitors
User Registration and Accounts
Business Registration
When registering your business on our Platform, you agree that:
a. All information provided during registration will be accurate, current, and complete b. You will maintain and promptly update your business information to keep it accurate and current c. You have the authority to represent and bind the business you are registering d. You will not create multiple accounts for the same business e. You will not register fictitious or non-existent businesses
Account Security
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
- Ensuring that your account information remains secure
Responsible Use and Conduct
By using our Platform, you agree to use our Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You specifically agree not to:
Prohibited Activities
a. Fraudulent Activity: Provide false, misleading, or deceptive information about your business b. Unauthorized Access: Access or attempt to access the Platform through automated means, hacking, or other unauthorized methods c. Interference: Disrupt or interfere with the Platform’s operation, servers, or networks d. Intellectual Property Violation: Copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works of our Platform content without authorization e. Spam or Unsolicited Communications: Use the Platform to send spam, unsolicited advertising, or promotional materials f. Impersonation: Impersonate another business, person, or entity g. Illegal Content: Post content that violates any applicable laws or regulations
Content Standards
If you submit content to our Platform, you agree that such content will not:
- Contain illegal, threatening, defamatory, abusive, harassing, or discriminatory material
- Infringe on any intellectual property rights of third parties
- Include unauthorized advertising or promotional material unrelated to your business
- Contain malicious code, viruses, or other harmful elements
- Violate any applicable privacy laws or regulations
Content Ownership and License
Your Content
You retain ownership of the content you submit to our Platform. However, by submitting content, you grant Hello Agency Inc. a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content for the purposes of operating and promoting the Platform.
Our Content
All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, software, and the overall design, is the property of Hello Agency Inc. or our licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright and trademark laws.
Business Listings
Business information submitted to our Platform may be displayed publicly and used in our advertising and promotional activities. You consent to such use as part of our business directory and advertising platform services.
Advertising and Promotional Services
Advertising Platform
Our Platform operates as an advertising platform where businesses benefit from promotional opportunities. By registering your business, you understand and agree that:
- Your business information may be featured in various promotional materials
- We may use your business information in marketing campaigns to promote the Platform
- Your participation contributes to the overall promotional ecosystem of the Platform
Marketing Communications
If you opt-in to receive marketing communications, you agree to receive:
- Newsletters about Platform updates and local business news
- Announcements about new features and services
- Promotional materials about Platform events and initiatives
You may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or contacting us directly.
Fees and Payments
Currently, basic business registration on our Platform is provided at no cost. We reserve the right to implement fees for premium services in the future. Any fee changes will be communicated to users with reasonable advance notice.
Future payment processing (including gift card programs) will be handled through secure third-party payment processors, and additional terms may apply to such services.
Privacy and Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimers and Limitations
Service Availability
We provide our Platform on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We do not warrant that:
- The Platform will meet your specific requirements
- The Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
- Any defects will be corrected
- The Platform will be compatible with all devices or systems
Business Information
While we strive to maintain accurate business information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of business listings. Visitors should verify business information independently before making purchasing decisions.
Third-Party Links
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of any third-party websites.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hello Agency Inc. shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to:
- Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
- Loss of data or information
- Business interruption
- Personal injury or property damage
Our total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the amount you have paid to us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hello Agency Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to:
- Your use of the Platform
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
- Content you submit to the Platform
- Any claim that your content infringes on third-party rights
Termination
Termination by You
You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. Upon termination, your business listing will be removed from the Platform.
Termination by Us
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice, if:
- You breach any provision of these Terms
- We suspect fraudulent, illegal, or abusive activity
- We discontinue the Platform or any part of it
- Required by law or regulatory authority
Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your right to use the Platform immediately ceases
- We may delete your account and associated data
- Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be instituted exclusively in the courts of British Columbia, Canada. You consent to the jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objection to venue or inconvenient forum.
Dispute Resolution
Informal Resolution
Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, you agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute through informal negotiations by contacting us at [email protected].
Limitation Period
Any claim or cause of action arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform must be filed within one (1) year after the claim or cause of action arose, or it will be forever barred.
General Provisions
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hello Agency Inc. regarding the Platform.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Waiver
No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such provision or any other provision.
Assignment
You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms without restriction.
Language
These Terms are written in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only, and the English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancy.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
Hello Agency Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (250) 254-4343
Business Hours: 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Acknowledgment
By using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.
These Terms of Service are effective as of 23rd June 2025 and were last updated on 23rd June, 2025.
