Burnaby's death toll in 2022 from illicit drug toxicity continues to rise.
The latest BC Coroners Service report released on Tuesday (Nov. 8) showed another three deaths were recorded in September, bringing Burnaby's total to 47 for the year.
In all of 2021, a record 77 deaths were tallied in Burnaby.
Provincially, toxic illicit drugs claimed 171 lives in September of this year, which is an eight per cent increase compared to September of 2021 (159).
The number of drug toxicity deaths in September equates to roughly 5.7 deaths per day.
"British Columbians are continuing to suffer the tragic effects of a toxic and volatile drug supply, with almost six members of our communities dying each day," BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a news release.
"Both those who use drugs occasionally and those who are substance-dependent are at risk of sudden death from the unpredictable illicit market. Individuals who have been abstinent for a period of time or those who normally use stimulants are at increased risk. Their opioid tolerance is low and the prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit supply is high."
By local health area, Lillooet, Cowichan Valley West, Terrace, Alberni/Clayoquot and Merritt.
No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
"In September, 171 people were lost to the toxic drug crisis. So many have been profoundly affected by this terrible crisis. My heart grieves for the people lost and the families, friends and loved ones they left behind. We are determined to end this tragic loss of life," Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson added.
"When people make the courageous decision to come forward and get help, we want supports to meet them. We keep opening new and expanded services across the continuum of care, from treatment and recovery, to critical harm reduction and prevention measures that save lives.
"Separating people from the increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply is important to preventing drug poisonings and helping people stabilize their lives. That's why in 2020, B.C. became the first province in Canada to introduce prescribed safer supply; we have been expanding it ever since."
