Free Freelance Web Developer Contract Template for Canada

A freelance web developer contract is one of the most important documents you'll create as a Canadian web professional or as a business hiring one. Web development projects involve complex deliverables — from frontend interfaces and backend systems to database architecture and third-party integrations — and without a clear contract, misunderstandings about features, timelines, and code ownership are almost inevitable. This free web developer contract template is designed specifically for the Canadian freelance market and covers every critical clause: detailed scope of work definitions, milestone-based payment structures, intellectual property assignments, hosting and deployment responsibilities, and post-launch support terms. Whether you're building a custom web application, an e-commerce store, or a corporate website, this template gives you a solid legal foundation to start your project with confidence and clarity.

Web development projects are particularly prone to scope creep, changing requirements, and disagreements over what "done" means. A client might expect unlimited revisions or assume the developer will handle hosting and maintenance indefinitely. Without a contract, developers risk working extra hours without compensation, and clients risk receiving a product that doesn't meet their expectations. A written contract forces both parties to define exactly what will be built, how it will be tested and accepted, and what happens if the project scope changes. In Canada, where freelance web developers often work with clients across provinces, having a contract that specifies governing law and dispute resolution is especially important.

A web developer contract needs clauses beyond the standard freelance agreement. Include a technical specifications section that defines the technology stack, browser compatibility requirements, and performance benchmarks. Add a testing and acceptance clause that outlines how the client will review and approve deliverables, including a specific timeframe for feedback (e.g., 5 business days). Define hosting and deployment responsibilities — who provides the hosting environment, who handles DNS configuration, and who is responsible for SSL certificates. Include a warranty period (typically 30-60 days post-launch) during which the developer will fix bugs at no additional charge. Address third-party code, libraries, and licenses used in the project. Finally, specify data handling obligations, especially if the site processes personal information subject to PIPEDA or provincial privacy laws.

For web development contracts, the scope of work must be exceptionally detailed. List every page or screen to be developed, with wireframes or design mockups attached as appendices where possible. Specify responsive design breakpoints, supported browsers and devices, and any accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA is recommended for Canadian government and enterprise clients). Define the content management system or framework being used and the number of custom templates or components included. Outline the development, staging, and production environments, and who provides access to each. Include specific performance targets — page load times, Core Web Vitals scores, and uptime expectations. Clearly state what is out of scope: content creation, stock photography, SEO optimization, and ongoing maintenance should be addressed separately unless explicitly included.

Web development projects benefit from milestone-based payment structures that align with project phases. A typical structure includes: 30% upfront deposit before work begins, 30% upon completion of the design/mockup phase, 30% upon completion of development and staging review, and 10% upon final launch and acceptance. For larger projects, break the development phase into multiple milestones. Specify that each milestone payment is due within 7-14 days of delivery and that work on the next phase doesn't begin until the previous milestone is paid. For hourly engagements, define the billing increment (typically 15-minute blocks), require weekly or bi-weekly time reports, and set a monthly hour cap to help clients budget. Include a late payment clause with 2% monthly interest on overdue invoices.

IP ownership in web development is nuanced because projects often involve multiple types of intellectual property. The contract should distinguish between: (1) custom code written specifically for the client, which typically transfers upon full payment; (2) pre-existing code, libraries, and frameworks the developer brings to the project, which remain the developer's property but are licensed to the client; and (3) open-source components, which are governed by their respective licenses (MIT, GPL, Apache, etc.). Specify that the developer retains the right to reuse general techniques, non-client-specific code patterns, and showcase the project in their portfolio. Address ownership of design files, documentation, and deployment scripts. Include a clause stating that IP transfer is contingent on full payment — if the client defaults, the developer retains all rights.

Web development contracts should include granular termination provisions given the project-based nature of the work. Either party should be able to terminate with 14-30 days written notice. If the client terminates, they pay for all work completed to date plus a kill fee of 25% of the remaining contract value. The developer delivers all completed work, including source code for paid milestones. If the developer terminates, they provide a reasonable transition period and deliver all completed work with documentation sufficient for another developer to continue. In case of material breach (non-payment exceeding 30 days, or failure to deliver work within 30 days of agreed deadlines), the non-breaching party may terminate immediately. Address what happens to staging environments, development accounts, and API keys upon termination.

Web developers often gain access to sensitive client systems, databases, and business logic. The confidentiality clause should explicitly cover: source code and technical architecture, database schemas and data, API keys, credentials, and access tokens, business processes and competitive strategies, and customer data. Specify that the developer will follow security best practices — using encrypted connections, not storing credentials in code repositories, and returning or destroying all access credentials upon project completion. For projects involving personal data, reference PIPEDA compliance obligations and ensure the contract addresses data processing responsibilities. The confidentiality obligation should survive termination by at least 3 years.

Web developers in Canada face unique legal considerations. Projects processing personal information must comply with PIPEDA (or provincial equivalents like Quebec's Law 25, Alberta's PIPA, or BC's PIPA). Your contract should specify data handling obligations and privacy compliance responsibilities. If the website serves users in Quebec, it must comply with Quebec's language laws (Charter of the French Language). For e-commerce sites, ensure compliance with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) for any email marketing features. Accessibility requirements may apply — the Accessible Canada Act and provincial accessibility legislation (like AODA in Ontario) set standards for web accessibility. Specify GST/HST handling — web development services are taxable in all provinces. For cross-provincial engagements, choose a governing province and specify it in the contract.