Changes coming in 2026 for requests to light up City Hall

Community requests to light up City Hall and Springer Market Square will soon follow a new process due to updates to the City’s First Capital Illumination Policy. The policy was updated at the City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, after staff proposed changes in response to challenges with the previous policy, including a high volume of illumination requests. The updates will apply to illuminations taking place as of Jan. 1, 2026.

The Illumination Policy sets guidelines for illuminating First Capital Place (City Hall and Springer Market Square) to mark occasions such as celebrations or commemorations and raise awareness of local history, special events or community issues.

Why the policy was updated

The Illumination Policy sets guidelines for illuminating First Capital Place (City Hall and Springer Market Square) to mark occasions such as celebrations or commemorations and raise awareness of local history, special events or community issues.

Previously, the Illumination Policy allowed for all requests that met the policy criteria, and there were no limits to the number of illuminations. There are several occasions the City recognizes every year, but most illuminations are requested by community organizations.

Charities and non-profits request displays to honour significant days and raise awareness of occasions that are meaningful to the community. The City facilitates these requests by illuminating City Hall and Springer Market Square to amplify community voices and foster belonging.

"Illuminations are a form of community-led expression. This initiative highlights the lived experiences, histories, celebrations and shared values of everyone who calls Kingston home,” says Vanessa Mensah, Manager of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office.

Staff have revised the policy to better align with the evolving needs of the community and respond to the growing number of illumination requests.

“The increased frequency of illuminations can potentially diminish the impact of each display,” adds Mensah. “The changes to the policy will help emphasize the significance of each illumination and its importance within the community.”

Changes to the policy

Based on consultation and after researching best practices, the policy was updated to include a total of 90 illuminations per calendar year. This includes 72 illuminations available for public requests, with the 18 remaining illuminations—listed on our website—reserved annually for occasions that align with Kingston’s Strategic Plan and equity, diversity and inclusion principles.

“The updated policy ensures that illuminations reflect Kingston’s cultural, historical and other significant observances to create a welcoming environment for all community members,” says Mensah.

Applicants will continue to apply online through My Kingston. Illumination requests are no longer reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; applications will be reviewed every three months. View the full 2026 application schedule on the Memorials and Commemorations page. Applications received after the quarterly deadline will not be eligible for the associated period.

Around 15-20 applications will be approved each quarter up to the annual maximum of 72 public illumination requests. Applications must be made by non-profit or charitable organizations based in Kingston or with a local chapter. Staff will process and approve applications and report back to the EDI Advisory Committee during their quarterly meetings.

These changes will come into effect for illuminations that take place as of Jan. 1, 2026; illumination applications for 2025 will be processed according to the previous policy.

Commitment to reconciliation

As part of the City’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and communities, City Hall will continue to be illuminated monthly as a visible commitment to community healing and in honour of the victims of residential schools. These occasions are separate from the 90 annual illuminations.

“We formalize these monthly illuminations within this policy to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools and to reflect the City’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. We have a responsibility to ensure reconciliation remains a living, active commitment that is embedded in every aspect of our governance and community service,” says Kaitlyn Green, IIDEA Advisor.

Illuminations are just one way to commemorate meaningful occasions in Kingston. Interested groups can also apply for the Neighbourhood Activation Fund, Free Space Initiative, a proclamation or a flag raising to recognize a significant day or event.