Illicit and toxic drugs have taken another three lives in Burnaby during July, new BC Coroners Service data shows.
That brings Burnaby's year-to-date total to 30.
There were 51 deaths recorded in 2023.
Provincially, the BC Coroners Service says 192 people died in July across the province, which brings the 2024 total to date to 1,365.
The total for July equates to roughly 6.2 deaths per day.
"The people we've lost are more than just numbers on a page. They are our family members, our neighbours, our friends - people who should have had more time, more laughter and more chances to make memories with those who loved them," Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside said in a statement.
"While we've seen some progress with fewer deaths this year, we cannot allow ourselves to become indifferent to this crisis. Every life lost is one too many. We must not, and will not, accept this as normal."
The Fraser Health Authority, which includes Burnaby, has now seen 368 deaths during 2024, which is still the highest of any health authority in the province.
The townships seeing the highest number of unregulated deaths this year are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria, the Coroners Service said.
"We know there is still more work ahead. We will continue to keep pushing forward to build a better province for everyone," Whiteside added.
"Mental-health and addictions challenges can affect anyone, and we are building a system where no matter what led you to addiction, there is a pathway out of it - toward hope and healing - for you.
"We carry out this critical work in honour of those we've lost to toxic-drug poisonings and so we can build a better future in their name."
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