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. 

Saamis Tepee illuminated in orange
Saamis Tepee
Prominently located along Highway 1
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 Teepee:

  • $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:

September 30 - ORANGE
National Truth & Reconciliation Day
In honour of the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

October 1 - RED
Redi Enterprises Society
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)
Promoting the inclusion of workers with disabilities in Alberta’s economy. Every October, communities work to deliver activities and events around the province to:

  • increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities within Alberta’s business community
  • increase employer engagement and raise awareness around the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities
  • highlight employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity 

October 9-15
PINK and BLUE
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD)
Annual remembrance day that is observed in Canada on October 15. Throughout the week bereaved parents, their families and friends, unite with each other and others across the world to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infancy.

October 19
PURPLE and BLUE poles
National DEAM
Every day in October, we celebrate the tremendous contributions people with disabilities make to our workplaces and communities. Help eliminate the barriers that prevent Canadians with disability from participating fully in work and society. 

October 20-26
BLUE and GREEN POLES
Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association
Recognizing Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) who play a vital role in the health and welfare of both companion animals and livestock which in turn protects the food chain, and safeguards the health and welfare of Albertans.

November 12-18
BLUE
JDRF Canada
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. It is celebrated globally to increase awareness of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the impact it has on the lives of those affected, and to underscore the continued need for research funding. On November 14 social media will be lit up with pictures from landmarks across the country with the tag @JDRFCanada, #NDAM2023 #WDD2023

Towne Square: