June 26 - 102 Islanders killed by toxic drug deaths in 2025

Good morning !

Today we have some important health stories: Measles cases have been detected in Victoria (including on multiple BC Ferries routes), and communities up-Island recorded significant increases in toxic drug deaths in April.

Beachgoers are also advised not to swim at Willows Beach, at the foot of Estevan, due to high bacteria.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Island surpasses 100 toxic drug deaths in first 4 months of 2025

The BC Coroners Service released April data on the province’s toxic drug deaths this week. There was a significant increase from March, and the highest number since September. 

So far this year, 102 people have died on the Island—including 27 in Greater Victoria—from poisonous drugs, with 33 deaths occurring in April. In March, 19 people died of toxic drugs.

On the South Island, eight people died in April, a small increase from seven deaths in March. But the number of deaths doubled in other areas of the Island: Central Island deaths increased to 19 in April from nine in March, and North Island deaths increased to six from three.

BC had its highest death toll in seven months, with 165 people (or 5.5 a day) killed by toxic drugs in April—this is the first month since September to surpass 160 deaths. 

Despite the uptick, drug deaths in all health authorities in the province continued to trend downward compared with last year and 2023 (when the highest annual number of drug deaths in BC was recorded).

The BC Greens said the rise of toxic drug deaths occurring outdoors—the number has increased to 21% in 2025 from 15% in 2022—is a sign that unhoused people are increasingly at risk. The party has called for an increase in supervised consumption services and safe, affordable housing for all.

“This report underscores the widening gaps in care, housing, and access to life-saving services,” interim Green leader Jeremy Valeriote said in a statement. “The ongoing loss of life is not inevitable—it's a consequence of political choices.” 

The drugs most linked to these deaths vary for each health authority. So far this year, 68% of toxic drug deaths in BC were linked to fentanyl, followed closely by methamphetamines (51%) and cocaine (48%). But on the Island, other drugs were linked to these deaths: fentanyl is still the leading cause at 74%, followed by cocaine at 52%, fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) at 41%, and bromazolam (a type of benzodiazepine) at 37%.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Metchosin's Annual Report: Public can give feedback online until Mon. 4pm, or in person at the Mon. council meeting. 7pm.

No swimming: Willows Beach in Oak Bay was added to Island Health’s advisory list this week, with high bacteria levels detected in the water. [Island Health]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life. 

NEWS

Measles cases confirmed in Victoria and on ferry

BC's Centre for Disease Control said on Tue. that there were exposures last Friday on the Coastal Celebration. Affected sailings were the 12pm and 8pm from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, and the 2pm and 6pm the other way. There was also a Friday exposure at Hot & Cold Cafe on Cook (3-6pm).

Public health officials say they are “following up directly with known contacts of measles cases,” but that “individuals known to have measles spent time in several public locations.”

BCCDC says 49 cases have been reported this year, 12 of them active. Symptoms resulting from contact with these recent exposures could show up as late as mid-July. 

What is measles? 

Typical symptoms from the virus include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and neck but spreads to the chest and limbs. In rare cases, complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis (even years later). This can even be fatal, especially for people who are immunocompromised or pregnant or very young—one infant died early this month in Ontario.

The disease has recently resurged in Canada, particularly Ontario and Alberta (which recently hit 1K cases). Mumps, which is covered by the same “MMR” vaccine, is also up. Health officials recommend that people born after 1970 check their vaccination status and, if not immunized, get vaccinated. 

Read more at the BCCDC.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🏊 When Crystal Garden was new: See swimmers at the pool in 1928. The building turned 100 this year. [Facebook photo]

🎸🍁 Great Canadian Bash: Big Sugar and Trooper. [Sat. at Starlight]

🌱 Discover nature in a new way this summer at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary! Sign up for one of the programs today.*

🐢 Painted turtle released into wild after receiving care for a fishhook injury at Metchosin’s Wild Arc. [Video]

^{*Sponsored Listing}

🗞️ In Other News

Two 19-year-old drivers suspended after parking lot  pandemonium in Langford
On Tue. around 11:30pm, West Shore RCMP responded to a report of two pickups being driven erratically and burning out tires in the Belmont Market lot. Police say they suspended the drivers, who showed signs of alcohol impairment, for 90 and three days respectively, and will hold the trucks for 30 days. [RCMP]

Cowichan bus system now has BC's longest-ever transit strike
The strike has lasted 20 weeks. Those on the picket line marked the milestone with cake, though they say it’s not a celebratory occasion to strike this long. Union workers are pushing for bathroom breaks and better compensation with private transit company Transdev, which BC Transit contracts for Cowichan Transit. A mediator is expected to deliver recommendations soon. The previous record holder was the Whistler Sea-to-Sky transit strike in 2022. [CHEK]

Nanaimo considers ban on sale of invasive plant species
Staff have been directed to draft a bylaw that would stop the sale of common garden vines and flowers, including baby’s breath, foxglove, and English ivy. The bylaw would also include a campaign to promote native species and non-invasive options. More than 60% of BC’s invasive species were intentionally planted. The city council cited a similar retail ban in Oak Bay as a blueprint for the bylaw. [Times Colonist]

Pacific FC will play ‘Downtown Derby’ at Royal Athletic in September
The Langford team will visit Victoria to face its sibling franchise, Vancouver FC (which it also battles tomorrow at Starlight Stadium). Mayor Scott Goodmanson said the city wants to “share the excitement of Pacific FC with new fans in Victoria” in hopes they will then want to watch more games in Langford. [Pacific FC]

🗓️ Things to do

🛍️ ReLove Night Market: Check out second-hand and vintage items for sale at this evening market, with live music and local food and drink, at Fort Commons tonight. 5pm. [Info]

🧝 Lord of the Rings Trivia Night: Test your knowledge of Middle Earth at the Mint tonight. 7-9pm. [Info]

⚾ West Coast League Baseball: The Victoria HarbourCats host the Edmonton RiverHawks. Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP tonight. 6:35pm. [Tickets]

⚽ Canadian Premier League Soccer: Pacific FC hosts Vancouver FC at Starlight Stadium tomorrow. 7pm. [Tickets] 

🌍 12th AfriCa Fest 2025: "Flavours of Africa & the Caribbean" will celebrate dance, culture, cuisine, and community in Centennial Square today and tomorrow. 5-9pm. [Info]

🥳 Millie’s Lane Block Party: A one-night community showcase featuring live music, food, and performances at 760 Yates tomorrow. 5:30-7:30pm. Free food for first 80 guests. [Info]

🏳️‍🌈 Neon Pride Party: Start Pride week early and dance the night away at Capital Ballroom tomorrow. 9:30pm-2am. [Info]

📚 Local Book Launch: Local author K.J. Ritchie will share her new book, The Lies That Bind: Mothers and Daughters at Island Elixir Tea Co. in Langford Station. Sun. 2-4pm. [Info]

📕 Judge a Book By Its Cover Art Show: See local artists’ reimaginings of book covers now on at Colwood Arts & Culture. Opening reception on Sun. 1-3pm. [Event schedule]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Construction accelerates on Belleville ferry terminal; BC makes it easier for municipalities to borrow money; Crow dive-bombing season is here. [June 25]

Student art ramps up in Esquimalt skatepark. [Times Colonist]

Victoria kid, 9, earns a taekwondo black belt with his dad. [CHEK]

Greater Victoria firefighters donate $37K for neonatal equipment at VGH. [View Royal Fire Dept.]

New lottery hits BC. [Split the Pot]

Supportive housing for people with brain injuries opens in Central Saanich. [Victoria Buzz]

Natural tar is seen oozing from a rock in Buckley Bay. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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