Skip to main content

15 Maple Avenue Unit #103
Barrie ON L4N 2N6

Phone: 416-646-1193
Toll Free: 1-877-646-1193
Fax: 416-493-4608

Email us here
Donate NowNewsletter
  1. Home
  2. Ontario Woodlot Association an...

Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario Forest History Photo Submission Contest

Contest Rules

1. Contest Period

The Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario Photo Submission Contest (the “Contest”) begins at 9:00:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on September 19, 2024 and ends at 12:00:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 27, 2024 (the “Contest Period”). By participating in the Contest, each entrant agrees to abide by and be bound by these Contest Rules and all decisions of the Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario (the “Sponsors”), which shall be final and binding, without right of appeal, in all matters relating to this Contest and the awarding of the prizes, including without limitation eligibility and/or disqualification of entries.

2. Eligibility

The Contest is open to legal residents of Ontario who have reached the age of majority in Ontario. Excluded from eligibility are the officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives of the Sponsors and any Contest judges, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, (collectively, the "Contest Entities"), and members of the immediate families (defined as parents, siblings, children and spouses, regardless of where they live) or households (whether or not related) of such officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives.

3. How to Enter

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Internet access and email address required. To obtain one (1) entry, submit up to two (2) eligible photographs (the “Submission”) through the submission form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OntForestHistoryContest during the Contest Period, along with the entrant’s name and email address. To be an eligible photograph(s), the Submission must:

a) be an original photo the entrant has taken or is an old photo the entrant is entitled to share;
b) be in .jpg or .png format and no larger than 25 MB in size;
c) include a brief description of how the forest, woodlot, or woodland has changed over time and the approximate year the photo(s) were taken; and
d) include a brief explanation of how the entrant’s photo fits the Contest themes found on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OntForestHistoryContest.

Limit: one (1) entry per person and per email address during the Contest Period.

By entering the Contest, each entrant warrants and represents that: (i) they own or have licensed all necessary rights, title and interest, including copyright in the Submission; (ii) the Submission has not been previously published; (iii) the Submission does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights, or defame or invade the publicity or privacy rights, of any third party, living or deceased; (iv) all individuals appearing in the Submission have granted to the entrant an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license in perpetuity to publish or otherwise use their likeness in the Submission in any manner and media whether now known or hereafter devised, including without limitation in association with administration and promotion of the Contest.

By entering the Contest, each entrant agrees that their Submission may be posted by the Sponsors on any website associated with the Contest and/or on the Sponsor’s social media channels, and/or in a publication(s) produced by the Sponsors in the Sponsor’s sole discretion but without obligation.

By entering the Contest, each entrant irrevocably grants to the Sponsors a non-exclusive royalty-free worldwide license with respect to the Submission to allow the Sponsors the unconditional and perpetual right to reproduce, edit, adapt, modify, use, post, display and publish the Submission in whole or in part, in any way, in any and all media, throughout the world, for any purpose, without limitation, and without notice or additional consideration to the entrant. By entering the Contest, the entrant waives all of its so-called “moral rights” that it may enjoy in any territory throughout the world in relation to the Submission. Upon request by the Sponsors, the entrant agrees that it shall sign (or cause to be signed) all further documents or do (or cause to be done) all further acts and provide all reasonable assurances as many reasonably be necessary or desirable to give effect to the license of the entrant’s rights in the Submission.

4. Prize

There is one (1) Grand Prize available to be won consisting of an Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario Gift Pack (approximate retail value: CAD$75) and two (2) Runner-up Prizes available to be won, each consisting of an Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario Merchandise Gift Pack (approximate retail value: CAD$50).

The winning Submissions may be featured in a 2024/2025 printed and digital magazine produced jointly by the Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario, as well as on both organization’s social media platforms and websites.

Prizes will be mailed to winners by Canada Post using the mailing addresses provided by entrant(s). Prizes must be accepted as awarded and may not be substituted, transferred or redeemed for cash or otherwise, except at Sponsor’s’ sole discretion. Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to substitute a prize of greater or equivalent monetary value if a prize cannot be awarded as described for any reason. Prizes will be delivered to verified winners in Canada. Sponsors will not replace any lost or stolen prizes. Any other costs or expenses associated with the prize not specified herein will be the responsibility of the selected winner.

5. Winner Selection

On or about October 29, 2024 in Ontario at 12:00 p.m. ET (the “Draw Date”), the winning submissions will be selected from among all eligible entries received during the Contest period for the purpose of selecting three (3) potential winners (subject to satisfying the prize claim conditions below). The winning submissions will be chosen by a judging panel comprised of staff from the Ontario Woodlot Association and Forests Ontario based on the following criteria:

a) technical achievement (including focus, exposure, lighting, composition, colour and contrast);
b) originality and creativity (including unique perspectives, creative techniques, imagination and style);
c) emotional impact and storytelling (including the ability to evoke emotions or tell a compelling or engaging story); and
d) relevance to the themes of “then & now” (showing how a forest, woodlot, or woodland has changed over time), “biodiversity” (showing a diverse, healthy mix of trees, plants, and animals), or “restoration” (showing how your hard work has helped to create something of natural beauty).

Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received and the evaluation of the photographs by the judging panel.

6. Selected Entrant Verification and Prize Claim Conditions

Selected entrant(s) will be notified by email at the email address provided at the time of entry. Sponsors or Sponsor’s’ agent will make three (3) attempts to contact the selected entrants by email within five (5) business days of the Draw Date. In order to be declared a winner, each selected entrant must first:

(i) respond to notification of selection within three (3) contact attempts or five (5) business days from the Draw Date (whichever occurs first);

(ii) correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question without mechanical or other aid, which may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsors, be administered online, by email or other electronic means or by telephone;

(iii) sign and return to Sponsors, within three (3) business days of it being sent by Sponsors, a written declaration and release form that confirms the selected entrant’s

  • (a) consent to use their name, image and likeness in all media in connection with the Contest and related promotion;
  • (b) release of the Contest Entities and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (the “Releasees”) from any liability in connection with this Contest or the use, misuse, awarding or possession of any prize (the “Release”);
  • (c) irrevocable grant to the Sponsors of a non-exclusive royalty-free worldwide license with respect to the Submission to allow the Sponsors the unconditional and perpetual right to reproduce, edit, adapt, modify, use, post, display and publish the Submission in whole or in part, in any way, in any and all media, throughout the world, for any purpose, without limitation, and without notice or additional consideration to the entrant and the waiver of the entrant’s “moral rights” in the Submission and agreement to, upon request by the Sponsor, sign (or cause to be signed) all further documents or do (or cause to be done) all further acts and provide all reasonable assurances as many reasonably be necessary or desirable to give effect to the license of the entrant’s rights in the Submission.]; and

(iv) otherwise comply with these Contest Rules.

If the selected entrant(s) cannot be contacted within three (3) attempts or five (5) business days of the Draw Date (whichever occurs first); there is a return of any notification as undeliverable; the selected entrant(s) fail to provide proof of eligibility (if requested) or an executed Release as required or other required documentation in a timely manner; the selected entrant(s) fail to answer skill-testing question; or the entrant otherwise does not comply with these Contest Rules, then the selected entrant(s) will be disqualified and the Sponsors reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to randomly select an alternate eligible entrant from among the remaining eligible entries, who will be subject to disqualification in the same manner.

7. Right to Void / Terminate / Suspend / Modify

Sponsors reserve the right to terminate, suspend or modify this Contest, in whole or in part, at any time and without notice or obligation if, in Sponsor's’ sole discretion, any factor interferes with its proper conduct as contemplated by these Contest Rules. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Contest, or any part thereof, is not capable of running as planned for any reason, including but not limited to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, programming errors, or technical failures, which, in the sole discretion of Sponsors, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsors may, in their sole discretion void any suspect entries and: (a) terminate the Contest, or any portion thereof; (b) modify or suspend the Contest, or any portion thereof, to address the impairment and then resume the Contest, or relevant portion, in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Contest Rules; and/or (c) award the prize(s) from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment in accordance with the winner selection criteria discussed above.

Sponsors reserve the right at their sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process, the operation of the Contest, violates the Contest Rules, or acts with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.

8. Limitation of Liability and Release

BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS CONTEST, ENTRANTS AGREE THAT THE RELEASEES HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR, AND SHALL BE RELEASED, DISCHARGED AND HELD HARMLESS BY ENTRANTS AGAINST, ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURIES, LOSSES OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEST, THE OPERATION OF THIS CONTEST, OR USE/MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE. PRIZE WINNERS ASSUME ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE CAUSED, OR CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED, BY PARTICIPATION IN THIS CONTEST OR USE OR REDEMPTION OF A PRIZE. FURTHER, BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS CONTEST, ENTRANTS AGREE THAT THE RELEASEES HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR, AND SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS BY ENTRANTS AGAINST, ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURIES, LOSSES OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY RESULTING FROM: A) ENTRY OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS CONTEST OR B) ANY CLAIMS BASED ON PERSONALITY OR PRIVACY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION OR PRIZE DELIVERY. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, therefore such exclusions may not apply to you.

Without limiting the foregoing, the Releasees shall not be responsible for: (a) any incomplete or inaccurate information that is caused any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest, or by any technical or human error which may occur in the processing of submissions in the Contest; (b) lost, interrupted, or unavailable network, server, service provider, on-line systems, telephone networks or telephone lines, or any other connections; (c) the theft, destruction, loss or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; (d) any problems with, or malfunctions or failures of, telephone networks or lines, computers or computer on-line systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, viruses or bugs; (e) garbled transmissions or miscommunications; (f) failure of any e-mail to be received by or from the Sponsors for any reason, including but not limited to traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or combination thereof or technical incompatibility; (g) damage to a user's computer equipment (software or hardware) occasioned by participation or downloading of materials related to this Contest; (h) printing, distribution, programming or production errors, and any other errors or malfunctions of any kind, whether human, mechanical, electronic or otherwise; or (i) technical, pictorial, typographical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

9. Protection Of Personal Information and Publicity Release

Sponsors and their authorized agents will collect, use, and disclose the personal information you provide when you enter the Contest for the purposes of administering the Contest and prize fulfillment. You may be offered the opportunity to receive additional communications from Sponsors or their partners about their products, and upcoming contests and promotions.

By accepting a prize, winners agree to Sponsor's’ use of his/her name, city/province of residence, picture, biographical information, statements, voice and likeness in any advertising and publicity Sponsors and their respective successors, assigns and licensees may conduct relating to the Contest in any media or format, whether now known or hereafter developed, including but not limited to the World Wide Web, at any time or times in perpetuity, without further compensation or notice, and hereby releases the Releasees from any liability with respect thereto. For further information about Sponsor's’ privacy practices, please see Sponsor's Privacy Policy at: https://forestsontario.ca/en/page/privacy and https://bit.ly/owa-privacy-policy.

10. General Conditions

All entries become the property of Sponsors and will not be returned and no correspondence will be made with or entered into except with selected entrant(s). Winning a prize is contingent on fulfilling all the requirements set forth herein. Mass entries, automated entries, entries submitted by third parties, and any entries or prize claims that are late, incomplete, fraudulent, illegible, unidentified or delayed will be void. All entries and prize claims are subject to verification. Proof of entry submission does not constitute proof of receipt. Entrants agree to abide by these Contest Rules. Decisions of Sponsors will be final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Contest. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws. Void where prohibited. Sponsors reserve the right to correct any typographical, printing, computer programming or operator errors. Sponsor's’ failure to enforce any term of these Contest Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Contest Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any provision of the Contest Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, then the Contest Rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein. The Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to administer an alternate test of skill as it deems appropriate or necessary to comply with applicable law. Should a winner make any false statement(s) in any document referenced above, the winner may be required to promptly return to Sponsor his/her prize, or the cash value thereof. WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CONTEST OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS, AND SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PROSECUTE AND SEEK DAMAGES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

In the event of a dispute as to the identity of the person who submitted any entry, the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at registration will be deemed to be the entrant. The "authorized account holder" is the natural person assigned an e-mail address by an access provider, service provider, or other person or organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the account associated with the submitted address. The potential winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder.