Green lights shined across Canada on June 3 — including outside Red Deer City Hall — in recognition of Boys and Girls Clubs on national BGC Day.
Local Youth HQ executive director Rob Lewis said city hall, as well as two downtown alleys, glowed in green light starting at sunset, just like the CN Tower in Toronto and other landmark structures across the country.
The new LED lights directed at the city building were installed on the edge of City Hall Park during recent renovations. Since 2021 the new lights have been used to support local, national and international events and campaigns.
Lewis said almost 800 youth are involved in Boys and Girls Club programs and camps in Red Deer and the surrounding area. Programs were run virtually during the pandemic but are now held in-person.
“The staff are happy to be doing their jobs the way their jobs are designed to be done again, getting out to clubs and having fun with kids,” said Lewis who was grateful for the city’s support to light up City Hall and the alleys on BGC Day.
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The city reserves the right to deny lighting requests. The lights are not allowed for political or religious uses, to support hate or violence, or specifically commercial in nature.
Charities, non-profit organizations and city departments can request the lighting of City Hall.
Those groups, as well as local businesses, can also make requests to light up 49.5 and 50.5 Alleys, two downtown alleys that run parallel to Ross Street.
“It’s a great opportunity to support events, whether they be national or local, and use it to build community,” said acting city clerk Jackie Kurylo.
“The lights are quite visible when you’re driving or walking downtown at night.”
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During 2021 the city received 22 applications for the lighting program, and 19 so far in 2022.
The lights shine from sundown to sunrise. Up to three solid colours can be requested, or a rainbow pattern. Lighting applications are available on the city’s website.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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