Lighting For a Cause

The City of Medicine Hat's Lighting for a Cause program is an initiative designed to bolster community spirit while shining a light on important social causes.

Aligning with City Council's Strategic Plan, this unique program has three core objectives:
  • Promote awareness of meaningful social causes
  • Foster community spirit
  • Cultivate a sense of belonging

Together, we can brighten the lives of residents!

The City has two venues available to book. Rent one or both to promote your event/cause. 

Please note: that the Tepee will undergo maintenance and upgrades in 2024 and therefore, not be available for bookings from April 11 to Oct. 30, 2024. Read more

Saamis Tepee illuminated in orange
Saamis Tepee
The Tepee will be unavailable for bookings from April 11 to Oct. 30, 2024 due to necessary upgrades. 
Towne Square lit up at night
Towne Square
Situated in the heart of downtown

Apply now

Guidelines

Application process

To be considered, all requests must be:

  • received via on-line application of the ‘Lighting for a Cause’ request form
  • completed by a management representative of the official organization making the request
  • received by the Community Development Department at least 30 days in advance of lighting date requested
Eligibility

Lighting will be considered for:

  • nondenominational events/causes
  • nonpolitical events/causes
  • registered charitable and not-for-profit events/causes

Lighting cannot be considered for:

  • personal occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries)
  • political events or observances
  • religious figures, events, organizations or institutions
  • commercial requests (i.e., product launches, corporate events, advertising)

The City of Medicine Hat reserves the right to use discretion when determining if a cause is deemed eligible.

Fees

Saamis Tepee:

  • $100 per day (minimum) or $250 per week 

Towne Square:

  • $50 per day (minimum) or $150 per week 
Duration of lighting
Lighting time can span a duration from one day up to one week.
Evaluation

An approval of any illumination is at the sole discretion of the City of Medicine Hat and not subject to appeals or negotiation. All requests will be evaluated based on meeting the above-mentioned guidelines as well as:

  • the nature of the cause
  • history and background of the organization, cause or event
  • how the lighting will be used to benefit the cause or event
  • marketing plan to educate the public on why Tepee is illuminated in colour

Applicants will receive an email response stating whether or not an application has been approved. Due to the high volume of applications, not all requests may be accommodated. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications may be submitted up to six months in advance.

The City of Medicine Hat wishes to stress that if an application is declined, it is not a reflection of the merits or importance of any requests.

If after reading the guidelines you are still uncertain if your project is eligible, please contact the Lighting for a Cause program administrator for clarity and assistance.

Lighting Schedule

Saamis Tepee:

 

Towne Square:

August 31
PURPLE
Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation
Towne Square will be lit purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

September 1-14
RED
Southeast Alberta FASD Network
Towne Square will be lit red in September for FASD Awareness Month with September 9th noted as International FASD Day.  

October 1-7
RED 
Redi Enterprises
Shed light on Alberta Disability Employment and help eliminate the barriers that prevent Hatters experiencing disability from participating fully in work and society.

October 10
TEAL, YELLOW & GREEN
Counselling Alberta and Calgary Counselling Centre
Hosting National Depression Screening Day from Monday, October 7th to Sunday, October 13th, 2024. The official National Depression Screening Day is on Thursday, October 10th.

October 17
PURPLE & BLUE
 
Ontario Disability Employment Network
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions that people with disabilities make to businesses, and our communities.