Vancouver's drug toxicity deaths hit lowest count since February 2020
May 2026 saw 109 deaths, marking a significant decline from previous years, with most deaths occurring among men aged 30 to 59.
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The BC Coroners Service released May 2026 drug toxicity death figures Thursday, showing 109 deaths—the lowest monthly count since February 2020, equating to approximately 3.5 deaths per day.
For 2026 overall, the majority of deaths occurred in people aged 30 to 59 (68 percent) and were males (76 percent). Deaths among those between 19 and 59 have seen a significant decline since 2021.
Most drug-related deaths occurred in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health regions. Eighty-one percent took place in residences, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancies, and shelters, while 18 percent occurred outside or in cars.
