B.C.’s most iconic landmarks are turning blue this month and here’s why

Landmarks will be lit blue all across the province of B.C. next month, and it’s for a really good cause.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Canadian Prostate Cancer Foundation will be embarking on the Light Up in Blue campaign all September long.

Some landmarks will be lit for just a day, while others will be lit for a period of time. The campaign actually takes place across all of Canada.

A statement from the foundation said that participation last year was unprecedented, as over 150 landmarks were lit across the country, including over 300 homes that went blue.

“Landmarks and homes glow in solidarity, raising awareness and showing support for those affected by prostate cancer. A big thank you to all of the landmarks, homes and proclamations from all across the country that are supporting our awareness campaign,” reads a statement on the campaign website. 

The foundation says that one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and that early detection “changes everything.”

B.C. landmarks being lit blue in September

The number of landmarks getting lit blue in B.C. is staggering:

• BC Parliament Buildings Victoria – Sept. 4
• BC Place – Sept. 7
• Bloedel Conservatory – Sept. 1
• Burnaby City Hall; Guideway – Sept. 6
• Burrard Bridge – Sept. 1
• Canada Place Sails – Sept. 6
• Castlegar Kinniard Overpass – Sept. 7
• Chilliwack Cultural Centre – Sept. 5 to 7
• Chilliwack District 1881 – all month
• Coquitlam Lafarge Lake; LED columns – Sept. 12
• Delta City Hall – Sept. 7
• Esquimalt – Sept. 1 to 12 and 14 to 30
• Hope – message board all month
• Kelowna Sails – Sept. 1 to 7
• Keremeos – message board all month
• Maple Ridge – Sept. 6 to 11 and 13
• Nanaimo Bastion – Sept. 1 to 7
• New Westminster City Hall – Sept. 4 to 7
• North Vancouver City Hall – all month
• Oak Bay City Hall – Sept. 1
• Peachland – all month
• Port Coquitlam City of – Sept. 19
• Port Moody City of – Sept. 26
• Royal BC Museum Victoria – signage all month
• Saanich Municipal Hall – Sept. 4
• Sicamous – all month
• Sid Williams Theatre Courtenay – all month
• Sparwood Chamber of Commerce – Sept. 1 to 29
• Strathcona Hotel Victoria – all month
• Surrey Civic Plaza – Sept. 3
• Tumbler Ridge – All month
• Vancouver Airport Tower – Sept. 7
• Vancouver City Hall & Burrard Bridge – Sept. 1
• Vancouver Convention Centre – Sept. 7
• Vancouver Lookout – Sept. 7
• Victoria City Hall – Sept. 1
• White Rock Pier – Sept. 2
• Williams Lake – Sept. 1 to 5

You can also see a full map on the official campaign website.

Why blue, though?

According to the campaign, the colour blue has always been associated with boys and men, “which aligns with prostate cancer primarily affecting males; it embodies hope, compassion, and unity in the face of the most prevalent cancer in men,” the campaign states.

It adds, “Blue represents the empowerment and solidarity of the patients, partners, and loved ones affected by prostate cancer, and the commitment of our community to providing support, resources, and advocacy.”

Originally published on Daily Hive. 

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