Toronto providing free sunscreen dispensers in parks across the city – NOW Toronto

Free sunscreen dispensers are now available at parks throughout Toronto.

Toronto’s Be Sun Safe program has returned to the city and aims to protect residents’ skin this summer to prevent skin cancer. 

“Protecting skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer. #BeSunSafe aims to prevent skin cancer by providing sunscreen, shade and raising awareness of the importance of sun protection,” a media release read.

Fifty dispensers will be available at select parks along the city’s waterfront and throughout High Park, with two additional dispensers located at public water trailers. There will also be 150 canopy tents put in place for extra sun protection. 

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The free sunscreen will be SPF 30, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), PABA-free, paraben-free, scent-free and mineral-based.

The city encourages residents to take the necessary sun safety precautions. This includes applying sunscreen every two hours, reapplying after swimming or sweating, using sunscreen with other sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun, getting shade and wearing protective clothing.

The #BeSunSafe program began in 2017 and since then the sunscreen dispensers have been used more than one million times, dispensing more than 1,000 litres, according to the city.

Since 2020, the program has also donated 150 canopy tents to provide shade to those participating in the city’s camp programming.

For a map of sunscreen dispensers in the city, click here.