Image: The Canadian Press

By Alyssa Conti

DRUG POISONING

Toxic drug deaths down 10% in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, 30% across B.C. overall

Oct 12, 2025 | 3:07 PM

CHILLIWACK — Data from the BC Coroners Service says toxic drug deaths have dipped slightly over the past eight months, including in the Fraser East health region.

Chilliwack and Abbotsford had a total of 75 toxic drug fatalities from January to August this year – down from 83 deaths during the same time in 2024.

Between May and August, Chilliwack saw 10 new deaths (27 total), while Abbotsford had 21 more fatalities (48 total).

Hope, Mission and Agassiz-Harrison have recorded 12 deaths overall so far this year.

An estimated 1,218 lives have been lost to unregulated drug use across B.C. to date, a decrease of 531 deaths from August last year.

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“We’re nearly a decade into this crisis, and BC is still losing people at one of the highest rates on record,” said MLA Claire Rattée, critic for mental health and addictions.

Those between the ages of 20 and 59 accounted for 69 per cent of deaths. Over three-quarters of all decedents were male, and roughly 48 per cent of all cases happened in a private home.

“That’s not safer use, that’s the same tragedy repeating behind closed doors,” Rattée added. “Men are disproportionately affected because too many are still afraid to reach out for help with their mental health.”

The latest figures came ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10. Data from the report is subject to change as investigations wrap up and more toxicology results arrive.