TERMS OF SERVICE

OVERVIEW

Welcome to ecothera. The terms "we", "us", and "our" refer to ecothera. We provide nature-based workshops, therapeutic horticulture experiences, educational programming, events, products, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

These Terms of Service ("Terms") outline the terms and conditions that apply when you access our website, register for an event, purchase a product, participate in a workshop, or otherwise engage with ecothera’s Services.

Please read these Terms carefully. By accessing our website, registering for an event, purchasing a product, or participating in any ecothera program, you agree to be bound by these Terms and any additional policies referenced herein, including our Privacy Policy and Workshop Cancellation & Refund Policy.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not access our website or participate in our Services.

SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION

By registering for an ecothera workshop, event, or service, you confirm that:

• You are at least the age of majority in your province or territory, or you have obtained consent from a parent or legal guardian where required.
• The information provided during registration is accurate and complete.
• You understand and agree to follow all event guidelines, safety instructions, and facilitator directions.

For programs involving children or youth, the registering adult is responsible for providing accurate information, ensuring appropriate supervision where required, and communicating any relevant accessibility, medical, dietary, or support needs prior to participation.

SECTION 2 - WORKSHOP & EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration spaces are limited and are reserved once payment has been received.

By completing registration, you acknowledge that ecothera may purchase materials, prepare supplies, arrange staffing, and make operational decisions based on participant numbers.

Registrations are non-transferable unless approved in advance by ecothera.

ecothera reserves the right to refuse or cancel registrations where necessary, including situations involving safety concerns, inappropriate behaviour, or circumstances that may negatively impact the experience of other participants.

SECTION 3 - CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & CREDITS

Our Workshop Cancellation & Refund Policy applies to all workshop and event registrations.

• Full refunds are available up to 72 hours before the scheduled workshop start time.
• Cancellations received between 72 hours and 3 hours before the workshop begins may be eligible for an ecothera workshop credit.
• Workshop credits are valid for two months from the date issued.
• Cancellations made within 3 hours of the workshop start time and no-shows are not eligible for refunds or credits.

Due to materials purchased, preparation time, staffing, and event setup requirements, exceptions cannot be made.

No refunds or returns will be provided after attending a workshop or participating in an activity.

SECTION 4 - WEATHER & OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

Many ecothera programs take place outdoors and are designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions.

Unless otherwise communicated by ecothera, events proceed rain or shine.

Participants are responsible for arriving prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear, sun protection, water, and weather protection suitable for the conditions.

If ecothera must cancel or reschedule an event due to unsafe weather, environmental conditions, or circumstances beyond our control, participants will be notified and offered a refund or transfer option.

SECTION 5 - PARTICIPATION & SAFETY

Participants agree to:

• Follow all safety instructions provided by ecothera facilitators.
• Use tools, materials, plants, and equipment responsibly.
• Respect the natural environment, event location, facilitators, volunteers, and other participants.
• Notify ecothera of any accessibility needs, allergies, sensitivities, or accommodations required to safely participate.

Some activities may involve gardening tools, natural materials, plants, soil, outdoor environments, uneven terrain, insects, or weather exposure. Participants assume responsibility for choosing appropriate participation based on their individual needs and abilities.

SECTION 6 - ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

ecothera is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experiences.

If you require accommodations or have questions about accessibility before attending a program, please contact us at connect@ecothera.ca. We will make reasonable efforts to support participation whenever possible.

SECTION 7 - PRODUCTS & MATERIALS

ecothera makes every effort to accurately represent products, workshops, activities, and materials offered through our website and promotional materials.

Photos, descriptions, colours, and examples may vary slightly from the final product or experience.

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue offerings at any time.

SECTION 8 - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All content created by ecothera, including but not limited to logos, branding, workshop materials, educational resources, photographs, written content, designs, and programming concepts, are the property of ecothera unless otherwise stated.

Materials provided during workshops are intended for personal use only and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used commercially without written permission from ecothera.

SECTION 9 - PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

Photos or videos may be taken during ecothera programs for promotional, educational, and community engagement purposes.

By participating in an ecothera event, you acknowledge that images or recordings may be captured.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify an ecothera facilitator upon arrival.

SECTION 10 - THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

ecothera may use third-party platforms for registration, payment processing, website hosting, communication, or event management.

We are not responsible for interruptions, errors, or policies associated with third-party services. Your use of these services may also be subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

SECTION 11 - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Participation in ecothera programs involves inherent risks associated with outdoor environments, natural materials, gardening activities, and group programming.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ecothera, its facilitators, contractors, volunteers, partners, and affiliates are not responsible for loss, injury, damage, illness, or expenses arising from participation in our Services, except where caused by negligence or as otherwise required by law.

Participants are responsible for making informed decisions regarding their own participation and wellbeing.

SECTION 12 - PRIVACY

Personal information collected through ecothera Services is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Information collected may include registration details, contact information, payment information, accessibility requests, and communication preferences necessary to provide Services.

SECTION 13 - CHANGES TO TERMS

ecothera reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time.

The most current version will be posted on our website. Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

SECTION 14 - GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or ecothera Services will be handled according to the applicable laws and courts of Ontario.

SECTION 15 - CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions regarding these Terms of Service may be directed to:

ecothera
Email: connect@ecothera.ca
Website: www.ecothera.ca

Participant Waiver & Release

Creative Outdoor Event Participation Agreement

Thank you for participating in an ecothera event. Our workshops and outdoor experiences are designed to provide meaningful opportunities for creativity, nature connection, learning, and community engagement.

By registering for and participating in an ecothera program, workshop, or event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Acknowledgement of Activities & Risks

I understand that ecothera programs may include creative, gardening, horticultural, and outdoor activities that may involve:

• Use of basic craft materials, gardening tools, or natural materials;
• Contact with soil, plants, seeds, flowers, insects, and other outdoor elements;
• Outdoor conditions including uneven terrain, changing weather, heat, sun exposure, wind, rain, or cold;
• Potential allergies or sensitivities related to plants, soil, natural materials, or environmental conditions.

I understand that while ecothera takes reasonable precautions to create a safe and welcoming environment, outdoor activities involve some level of natural risk.

2. Participant Responsibility

I agree to:

• Follow safety instructions provided by ecothera facilitators;
• Use materials, tools, and equipment responsibly;
• Treat facilitators, volunteers, other participants, and the natural environment with respect;
• Make ecothera aware of any accessibility needs, allergies, sensitivities, or concerns that may affect my participation.

I understand that I am responsible for determining whether an activity is suitable for myself or any child/youth participant under my care.

3. Children & Youth Participation

For participants under 18 years of age, the registering parent, guardian, or supervising adult confirms that they have permission and authority to allow participation.

The supervising adult remains responsible for the child/youth participant unless otherwise stated by ecothera.

4. Personal Belongings

I understand that participants are responsible for their own personal belongings. ecothera is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misplaced personal items brought to an event.

5. Photography & Media Consent

I understand that photographs or videos may be taken during ecothera events for promotional, educational, and community engagement purposes.

If I do not wish to be photographed or recorded, I will notify an ecothera facilitator upon arrival.

6. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless ecothera, its facilitators, volunteers, contractors, partners, and host locations from claims, damages, or liabilities arising from my participation in ecothera programs, except where prohibited by law.

This agreement does not waive any rights that cannot legally be waived under applicable legislation.

7. Confirmation

By registering for or participating in an ecothera event, I confirm that:
☐ I have read and understand this Participant Waiver & Release.
☐ I understand the nature of the activities and associated outdoor conditions.
☐ I agree to participate responsibly and follow facilitator instructions.