Terms of Service

Last updated: July 9, 2026

Company Identity & Acceptance

These Terms of Service govern your use of Civic Answer Hub (Civic Answer Hub Limited) and its services. By accessing and using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you may not use our services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, and your continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any changes we make.

Scope of Services

We provide a multilingual FAQ chatbot and bilingual virtual help desk designed to assist residents and businesses in accessing Ottawa public services. Our platform offers intelligent answers to frequently asked questions about municipal programs, permits, licenses, and government procedures. The service is available in both English and French to ensure accessibility for all users. We aim to simplify government interactions and provide quick, accurate information to support your engagement with public services.

User Obligations

When using our services, you agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any account credentials and for all activity under your account. You may not use our platform to transmit harmful, abusive, defamatory, or illegal content. We expect you to use the service respectfully and in good faith. Any misuse or attempted circumvention of our systems may result in suspension or termination of your access.

Intellectual Property

All content provided through our platform, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Civic Answer Hub Limited or its content providers and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or modify any content without our explicit written permission. Limited personal use is permitted for accessing information relevant to Ottawa public services. Any commercial use or redistribution of our content is strictly prohibited.

Limitations & Liability

Our services are provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that the information provided is completely accurate, up-to-date, or error-free. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of our platform. For municipal matters requiring official confirmation or legal validity, we recommend contacting the relevant government office directly. Your use of the service is at your own risk.

Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services at any time, with or without cause. Termination may occur if you violate these terms, engage in unlawful conduct, or misuse the platform. Upon termination, your right to use the service immediately ceases. Any provisions of these terms that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect. We will notify you of significant service disruptions when possible.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Canada and the Province of Ontario. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Ottawa, Ontario. Any disputes arising from your use of our services shall be resolved under Canadian law. We encourage you to contact us to resolve any concerns before pursuing legal action. Nothing in these terms shall be interpreted to exclude or limit any rights you may have under mandatory Canadian law.