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Terms of Use

Your Partnership Agreement

These comprehensive terms establish the foundation for our professional collaboration in creating exceptional web solutions. From project scope to payment terms, intellectual property rights to service guarantees - everything you need to know about working with our web development agency is outlined clearly below.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging TrueNorth Sites ("Company", "we" or "our") for web development, design or related services, you ("Client", "you" or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and TrueNorth Sites. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not engage our services or use our website.

2. Services Provided

TrueNorth Sites provides the following services: custom web development and design, UI/UX design services, mobile-first responsive design, SEO optimization, web system development, API and third-party integrations, bilingual website development (English/French), accessibility compliance implementation, and web hosting and maintenance services. Artificial Intelligence integration is available only in the Custom System plan. All services are provided on a project basis unless otherwise specified in a separate Service Agreement.

Services Not Included: We do not create logos or visual identity. Domain is not included in plans and must be purchased separately by the client.

Technologies and Third-Party Services: Our projects may include integration with third-party libraries, frameworks, APIs and services. By engaging our services, the client automatically agrees to be subject to the terms of use, privacy policies and licences of the technologies used in the project development, even if not specifically listed in the project scope.

3. Service Agreements and Proposals

Project Scope: Each project begins with a detailed proposal describing the project scope and deliverables, timeline and milestones, pricing and payment terms, specific requirements and specifications. Business Website includes a maximum of 10 pages, except blog posts created by the client.

Scope Changes: Any changes to the agreed project scope must be requested in writing and will result in additional charges. We reserve the right to adjust timelines accordingly. Delivery time may vary according to project complexity and the number of modifications and adjustments the client requests.

Client Responsibilities: The Client agrees to provide necessary content, materials and access in a timely manner, respond to feedback requests within 5 business days, provide accurate and complete information, and obtain necessary licences for any third-party content.

Communication: To ensure efficiency and clarity in communication, we work exclusively through written channels (email, contact forms, messages). We do not conduct telephone or video conference meetings. We request that clients send all information clearly and in detail from the first contact to optimise the development process and avoid misunderstandings.

Content Review: The client is responsible for reviewing all website text in all versions and languages before final approval. Any writing errors must be reported to our team for correction during the development period.

4. Pricing and Payment Terms

Pricing: All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and are subject to applicable taxes. Current pricing: Landing Page: C$199 (one-time), Business Website: C$399 (one-time), Website + Blog: C$499 (one-time), Custom System: C$799+ (project-based).

Price Changes: We reserve the right to change our prices at any time. Already contracted projects will maintain the agreed price, but new projects will be subject to the pricing table in effect at the time of engagement.

Advance Payment and Cancellation: When requesting a quote or engaging our services, the client agrees to advance payment of 50% of the total project value. This amount serves as a guarantee to begin work, covering planning time, organisation and calendar reservation. This initial payment is *non-refundable* in case of withdrawal, cancellation by the client, or lack of response after project commencement. The amount is considered partial compensation for time and effort invested. By proceeding with the quote and ticking the terms acceptance box, the client acknowledges and fully accepts this condition.

Payment Schedule: 50% deposit required before project commencement, remaining 50% due upon project completion and before final delivery. Custom projects above C$1,500 may require milestone-based payments.

Late Payments: Payments not received within 30 days of invoice date will incur a monthly service fee of 2%. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts in arrears.

Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced. Partial refunds may be considered for work not yet completed. No refunds for completed and delivered work.

Tax Documentation: We do not issue invoices, only payment receipts.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

Client Content: The Client retains ownership of all content, logos, trademarks and materials provided to us.

Developed Work: Upon full payment, the Client receives ownership of the final website/application code and design, excluding third-party components and their respective licences, our proprietary development frameworks and tools, and template designs or code that we may reuse for other projects.

Portfolio Rights: We reserve the right to display completed work in our portfolio and marketing materials, unless specifically requested otherwise in writing.

6. Warranties and Disclaimers

Service Warranty: We warrant that services will be performed professionally consistent with industry standards. We do not warrant specific results, rankings or business outcomes.

Technical Warranties: Websites will function as designed for 30 days post-delivery, code will be free from material defects for 30 days. We strive to maintain high availability of hosting services, but do not guarantee 100% uptime due to external factors beyond our control.

Disclaimers: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

7. Limitation of Liability

Liability Limit: Our total liability for any claim arising from or related to these Terms or our services shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client for the specific project that gave rise to the claim.

Excluded Damages: WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.

Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for the performance, availability or security of third-party services integrated into your project.

8. Hosting and Maintenance

Hosting Services: One year of shared hosting (1GB) included with Landing Page, Business Website and Website + Blog plans. Hosting renewal fees apply after the initial period. Access to hosting is exclusive to the development team for security and stability reasons. The client does not have direct server access. We reserve the right to suspend hosting for terms violations. Domain is not included in plans.

Service Availability: While we strive to maintain high availability, we do not guarantee 100% uptime. The availability of websites hosted on our servers depends on external factors, including but not limited to: third-party hosting providers, internet infrastructure, network services, and scheduled maintenance. Temporary interruptions may occur due to security updates, system maintenance or circumstances beyond our control.

External Hosting: If the site is hosted on the client's hosting or other people have access, we do not guarantee website security and stability.

Usage Restrictions: Any type of robot automation is prohibited if hosted on our servers.

Website Maintenance: Minor updates and security patches included for 30 days post-delivery. Ongoing maintenance available under separate agreement. Client responsible for content updates unless otherwise agreed.

Backups: We maintain regular backups, but the Client is responsible for maintaining their own backup copies of important data.

9. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information shared during the project. This obligation survives termination of the agreement.

10. Termination

Termination by Client: The Client may terminate services with 7 days' written notice. The Client remains responsible for completed work and expenses incurred.

Termination by Company: We may terminate services immediately for non-payment of invoices, violation of these Terms, provision of false or misleading information, or inappropriate or abusive conduct.

Effect of Termination: Upon termination, we will deliver completed work up to the date upon payment of outstanding invoices.

11. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, internet interruptions, hosting provider failures, or other force majeure events.

12. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Accessibility Compliance: While we strive to meet WCAG guidelines, the Client is ultimately responsible for ensuring legal compliance with accessibility requirements.

Content Compliance: The Client warrants that all content provided is legal, accurate and does not infringe third-party rights.

Privacy Laws: The Client is responsible for compliance with applicable privacy laws (PIPEDA, GDPR, etc.) for their website and data collection practices.

13. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold TrueNorth Sites harmless from any claims, damages or expenses arising from the Client's use of the delivered website/application, content provided by the Client, the Client's violation of these Terms, and third-party claims related to the Client's business operations.

14. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of Canada.

Dispute Resolution Process: 1. Good faith negotiation for 30 days, 2. Mediation through recognised mediation service, 3. Binding arbitration if mediation fails, 4. Court proceedings as last resort.

Jurisdiction: Disputes will be resolved according to Canadian legislation applicable to digital services and electronic commerce.

15. Custom Development and Editing Limitations

Technology Used: All websites developed by TrueNorth Sites are built using custom programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, etc.) and do not use content management systems like WordPress or similar.

Editing Limitations: The client does not have access to administrative panels for content editing. Text, image, layout or functionality changes require direct modification of source code. Website changes must be requested from TrueNorth Sites and may be subject to additional costs.

Editing Features: Client editing features (CMS, administrative panels) must be specifically requested and included in the custom development plan during the planning phase. Such features, when requested, increase the project scope, time and cost.

Maintenance and Updates: All post-delivery changes are considered maintenance services. Clients must request modifications through official support channels. Unauthorised modification attempts may result in improper website functioning.

16. Language Detection

The website language is automatically determined based on your browser's default language settings. The system detects English or French preferences and displays the corresponding content. Manual language switching is not available. To change the displayed language, please adjust your browser language preferences in your device settings.

17. General Provisions

Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any signed Service Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties.

Terms Modification: TrueNorth Sites reserves the right to modify, update or change these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice. Changes will take effect immediately upon posting on our website. It is the client's responsibility to periodically review these terms. Continued use of our services after any modification constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Severability: If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force.

Assignment: The Client may not assign rights under this agreement without written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations.

Survival: Provisions relating to payment, intellectual property, confidentiality and limitation of liability survive termination.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact:

TrueNorth Sites
Email: [email protected]

Final Agreement

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Terms and Conditions of Service

TrueNorth Sites
Effective Date: 2025-06-22
Last Updated: 2025-06-22