Burnaby is sadly on pace to surpass its 2023 illicit drug death total, according to new data from the BC Coroners Service.
In 2023, 51 deaths were recorded by the agency. Through January to October this year, 48 deaths have been logged.
That means seven more overdose deaths by toxic drugs were tallied in Burnaby in October.
The latest report says 155 lives were lost province-wide in October, which equates to five deaths a day.
B.C.'s new Minister of Health, Josie Osborne, says the latest numbers are a reminder of the ongoing devastation caused by the ongoing crisis.
"Today's report from the BC Coroners Service is a reminder of the ongoing devastation caused by the toxic-drug crisis and my heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the 155 people we lost in October," Osborne said in a news release.
"Each of these people mattered deeply and their absence is felt by everyone who knew and loved them.
"The toxic-drug supply remains one of the most serious threats to public health, affecting people from all walks of life. While we have seen encouraging progress, with the lowest number of deaths in four years, there is still much work ahead."
Vancouver recorded the highest number of deaths in October with 39, followed by Surrey (16) and Greater Victoria (nine).
"We cannot become indifferent to this crisis," Osborne added.
"Together, we must take bold, compassionate action to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to survive and move toward recovery."
The BC Coroners Service said half of the reported deaths in October were between the ages of 30 and 49.
