The SAINT JOHN sign is a special symbol of our city. At times throughout the year, we light it in different colours to help mark important community occasions and awareness days.
We’re happy to consider lighting requests from local organizations.
Who Can Apply
Eligible requests must come from:
- Saint John–based non-profits or charities
- Indigenous governments or organizations
- Public agencies (e.g., school districts, health authorities, post-secondary institutions)
- Community associations formally recognized by the City of Saint John
- Other levels of government (Federal or Provincial)
We may ask for documentation to confirm an organization’s status.
What We Consider
To be eligible, a request must:
- Align with a recognized awareness or community event, such as:
- A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) date recognized by the City, or
- An awareness day/week/month officially recognized by the federal government, provincial government, Indigenous governments, or the City.
- Be submitted at least 21 calendar days in advance of the requested date.
- The City may make exceptions for City-endorsed or time-sensitive events.
- Request one static (non-changing) colour that is supported by the existing LED system.
- At this time, we cannot accommodate flashing, cycling, or multi-colour patterns.
- Fit within our schedule, including priority City and DEI bookings.
If multiple eligible requests are received for the same date, priority is given to City, civic, and DEI-related occasions. Remaining dates are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requests That Cannot Be Approved
We will not approve requests that:
- Promote a for-profit product or service, or celebrate a private individual (e.g., birthdays, weddings, retirements).
- Support partisan political activity, election campaigns, or advocacy that conflicts with City policies or human-rights legislation.
- Represent causes not recognized by another level of government or by the City of Saint John.
- Conflict with a priority civic or DEI booking or duplicate an existing colour already scheduled for that date.
- Require technical adjustments or added costs, such as rapid colour cycling, complex patterns, or additional staff time.
How Decisions Are Made
All lighting requests are reviewed using the criteria above to ensure:
- Consistency and fairness between applicants
- Compliance with City policies and human-rights legislation
- Alignment with the City’s DEI principles and values
- Operational feasibility, based on the existing lighting system and staff capacity
Due to the volume of requests and the need to apply the criteria consistently, decisions are final, except where an administrative error is identified (for example, an incorrect date).
Important Note on Endorsement
Lighting the SAINT JOHN sign is intended to raise awareness of recognized community occasions, public-awareness dates, and other events supported by the City.
It does not represent an endorsement by the City of any organization, team, business, or viewpoint.
The City may choose to light the sign for select civic or community events that have broad public significance. These decisions are made at the City’s discretion and do not imply commercial promotion.
How to Submit a Request
To request a lighting of the SAINT JOHN sign:
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria.
- Submit your request at least 21 calendar days in advance, including:
- Your organization’s name and type
- Contact information
- The awareness day/week/month or event you wish to recognize
- The requested date and single static colour
- A brief description of how the request aligns with the criteria above
If you’re unsure whether your request qualifies, you’re welcome to submit it. Our team will review it against the criteria and let you know the outcome.