What to know
- Toronto’s Be Sun Safe program is celebrating its 10th season, with 55 free sunscreen dispensers available across the city.
- The dispensers provide Health Canada-approved SPF 30 mineral sunscreen at waterfront parks, High Park and Toronto golf courses.
- The city is reminding residents to use sunscreen along with hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Torontonians spending time out in the sun this summer will have access to free sunscreen at several parks, waterfront spots and golf courses across the city.
The City of Toronto is celebrating the 10th season of its Be Sun Safe program, in partnership with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation. Through the program, free Health Canada-approved SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is available to park users at 55 dispensers located at waterfront parks across Toronto, High Park and the city’s golf courses.
The sunscreen available through the dispensers is SPF 30, broad spectrum, mineral-based, scent-free, PABA-free and paraben-free, according to the city.
The Be Sun Safe program first launched in 2017 and has since expanded across Toronto.
According to their website, the dispensers have been used more than a million times and have provided over 1,000 litres of sunscreen since the program was launched.
Why sun safety matters
The initiative comes as health officials continue to remind residents that sun protection is about more than avoiding a painful burn. The Public Health Agency of Canada says skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the country, with about one-third of new cancer cases in Canada being skin cancers.
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 11,300 people in Canada will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2026, while 1,250 people are expected to die from it.
UV exposure is one of the biggest risk factors. Environment and Climate Change Canada says UV exposure risk is highest in Canada from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., from April to September, when the UV Index is three or higher and even on cloudy days.
The agency also notes that Southern Ontario sees some of the highest UV Index numbers in the country.
Health Canada recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapplying at least every two hours.
Sunscreen should be reapplied more often after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
Still, applying sunscreen is only one part of staying safe in the sun. The city also recommends wearing hats, sunglasses, long clothing and seeking shade to help reduce sun exposure and lower the risk of skin cancer.
Residents are also encouraged to limit direct daytime exposure, when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
A full list of sunscreen dispenser locations and more sun safety tips are available on the Be Sun Safe website.
