City of Toronto to begin offering free sunscreen at select parks

The City of Toronto will be providing free sunscreen at select local parks.

The new public health pilot project is in partnership with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation, and will install dispensers with Health Canada-approved sunscreen. Crews and funding will be provided by the melanoma foundations will maintain and stock the dispensers through the trial, according to the City.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada,” said Danielle Paterson, Executive Director of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and a representative for the Douglas Wright Foundation, in a statement. “Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is one of the fastest rising cancers in Canada. Fortunately, skin cancer is largely preventable, by protecting your skin from the sun with shade, long clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. We are delighted to launch this partnership with the City to help prevent skin cancer by raising awareness and offering free sunscreen at popular parks.”

The pilot project launched on Wednesday, August 2, with six dispensers in five parks. Once proven successful, expansion of the project is planned. Dispensers are located in these parks, often close to the waterfront trail:

• Kew Gardens Park
• Sherbourne Common, south
• Harbour Square Park
• HTO Park, east
• Little Norway Park

“We encourage residents to enjoy the warmer weather and physical activity opportunities that the summer months bring, while keeping sun safety tips top of mind,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. “Sunscreen is an important part of an overall sun safety routine for all skin types.”

Dr. de Villa added that the new initiative provides a great opportunity to remind residents of simple ways that they can incorporate sun safety in their outdoor activities this summer.

Get lathered up in free sunscreen, and stay safe.

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