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

Located along the Trans-Canada Highway

Towne Square

Situated in the heart of downtown

Guidelines

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

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.

Saamis Tepee:

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

Towne Square:

  • $50 per day (minimum) or $150 per week 

Lighting time can span a duration from one day up to one week.

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.

Apply now

Lighting schedule

Saamis Tepee

February 5, 2026 PURPLE

Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta

The Saamis Tepee will be lit purple to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026. Learn more by visiting edsna.ca.

February 11, 2026 RED

211 Alberta

February 11 is National 211 Day. Landmarks across Canada are lighting up red to support visibility of 211 Day and raise awareness of the importance of this service in our community. Learn more at ab.211.ca.

February 12-18, 2026 RED

Miywasin Friendship Centre

The Saamis Tepee is red in honour of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), and to stand in solidarity with their families, survivors, and communities.

This red light is more than a symbol; it is a visible commitment. It acknowledges a national crisis and a profound, ongoing loss that has touched our own community and Indigenous families across Turtle Island. The light serves as a public reminder that these women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals are not forgotten—they are sisters, mothers, daughters, aunties, and friends whose lives mattered.

Lighting these landmarks is a call to awareness, urging every resident to learn, to remember, and to actively support the safety, dignity, and power of Indigenous peoples. We shine this light to cut through the darkness of indifference and to signal our collective responsibility in fostering a community where everyone is safe and valued.

We stand in red to honour the spirits of the missing and murdered, to support grieving families, and to reaffirm our shared journey toward healing, justice, and peace. Every Light is a Promise: Remember. Honour. Act.

March 6, 2026 TEAL

Alberta Lymphedema Association

March 6 is World Lymphedema Day, an internationally recognized awareness 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 1-7, 15-21 TEAL

CFB Suffield Military Family Resource Centre

April is the Month of the Military Child. Teal is the official colour used to represent military children across all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces—Army, Air Force, and Navy. It symbolizes support, recognition, and awareness for the unique experiences of military kids.

Lighting the Tepee teal is a visible way for our community to show appreciation for their strength and resilience, and to remind families that they are supported, seen, and celebrated.

This gesture honors the strength and resilience of military children who face frequent moves, parental deployments, and constant change, helps raise awareness of their unique experiences and shows our community’s support and appreciation for their sacrifices.

April 11, 2026 BLUE

Parkinson Association of Alberta

As part of SPARK THE NIGHT, cities around the world will partner with local leaders to illuminate buildings and iconic landmarks in blue, symbolizing support for Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to light 12 million blue lights—one for each of the more than 12 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide.

World Parkinson's Night is an annual global event that unites communities worldwide to raise awareness, support, and solidarity for those living with Parkinson's disease. This inspiring gathering serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together individuals, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals in a shared mission to empower and uplift the Parkinson’s community. Learn more at: parkinsonassociation.ca.

April 12, 2026 PURPLE

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

April 12-18 is National Medical Laboratory Week, which includes International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day celebrated on April 15. Medical laboratory professionals are partners in every patient’s journey. Multiple sites in provinces across Canada light up in Indigo Purple to recognize medical laboratory professionals and shine a spotlight on their live-saving work and dedication.

#MedLab #LabWeek2026 #LabWeekLights

April 24, 2026 YELLOW & BLUE

School Age Care Directors Association of Alberta

Shining a light on the positive impact out of school care programs create for children, families, and communities across the province and to educate policy makers on these impacts so they may focus their efforts to improving recognition, availability, affordability, accessibility and quality for our sector and the educators that work in it. Learn more on YouTube.

May 12, 2026 YELLOW & GREEN

Environmental Health Association of Canada

May is internationally recognized as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month, with May 12 recognized globally as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Day. This observance is specific to MCS and reflects long-standing international efforts to advance recognition, accommodation, and inclusion for people living with this disability.

Towne Square

February 5, 2026 PURPLE

Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta

The Saamis Tepee will be lit purple to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026. Learn more by visiting edsna.ca.

February 11, 2026 RED

211 Alberta

February 11 is National 211 Day. Landmarks across Canada are lighting up red to support visibility of 211 Day and raise awareness of the importance of this service in our community. Learn more at ab.211.ca.

March 6, 2026 TEAL

Alberta Lymphedema Association

March 6 is World Lymphedema Day, an internationally recognized awareness 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, 2026 BLUE

Parkinson Association of Alberta

As part of SPARK THE NIGHT, cities around the world will partner with local leaders to illuminate buildings and iconic landmarks in blue, symbolizing support for Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to light 12 million blue lights—one for each of the more than 12 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide.

World Parkinson's Night is an annual global event that unites communities worldwide to raise awareness, support, and solidarity for those living with Parkinson's disease. This inspiring gathering serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together individuals, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals in a shared mission to empower and uplift the Parkinson’s community. Learn more at: parkinsonassociation.ca.

May 12, 2026 YELLOW & GREEN

Environmental Health Association of Canada

May is internationally recognized as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month, with May 12 recognized globally as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Day. This observance is specific to MCS and reflects long-standing international efforts to advance recognition, accommodation, and inclusion for people living with this disability.

Contact Us

Lighting For a Cause

401 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8W2
403-502-8580
Email us