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
Located along the Trans-Canada Highway
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:

February 16-22, 2025
BLUE
Girl Guides of Canada
Thinking Day 2025 will be celebrated in a way that connects local communities, and brings a smile to the faces of girls, families, volunteers, and the public. Guiding Lights Across Alberta Council is a community initiative that will light up outdoor landmarks, bridges, buildings, stadiums, and other illuminated locations, with blue lights, in celebration of the sisterhood of Guiding across Alberta and beyond.

March 6, 2025
TEAL
Alberta Lymphedema Association
March 6 is World Lymphedema Day, an internationally recognized day meant to spread awareness about lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition which is most often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by medical professionals and the general public.

April 11, 2025
BLUE
Parkinson Association of Alberta
Around the world, April is recognized as Parkinson Awareness Month. As a community, we come together to raise awareness and support those affected by the disease. As a provincial based non-profit charity, we aim to have as many blue light ups as possible along with the rest of the world.

April 15, 2025
INDIGO PURPLE
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
April 13-19 is National Medical Laboratory Week. Shining a spotlight on Canada’s medical laboratory professionals who work tirelessly for patients across the country, processing millions of medical tests to make sure patients receive the healthcare they need.

Towne Square:

March 6, 2025
TEAL
Alberta Lymphedema Association
March 6 is World Lymphedema Day, an internationally recognized day meant to spread awareness about lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition which is most often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by medical professionals and the general public.

April 11, 2025
BLUE
Parkinson Association of Alberta
Around the world, April is recognized as Parkinson Awareness Month. As a community, we come together to raise awareness and support those affected by the disease. As a provincial based non-profit charity, we aim to have as many blue light ups as possible along with the rest of the world.