May 16 - Toxic death numbers fall

Good morning !

The province has released its latest figures on toxic drug deaths. Again, the numbers are grim, but they’re going down, which is a little bit of solace.
Also, it’s the Victoria Day Weekend, or as they say down at BCFerries’ corporate offices: “It’s Go-Time!”

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 13 / 9 

Tomorrow: 🌦️16 / 9

Sunday: 🌤️ 13 / 9

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NEWS

48 Islanders died from toxic drugs over February and March

Twenty-nine people on the Island died in February and 19 more in March after consuming toxic drugs, the province said yesterday. Greater Victoria made up 20 of these deaths, with 13 in February and seven in March. 

On average, more than four people a day in BC died due to overdose during those two months. Provincewide,  275 people died from poisonous drugs in February and March, with 132 and 143 deaths, respectively. This is a 30%+ decline compared to both months in 2024.

So far this year, 428 people throughout BC—including 28 people in Victoria, and 69 people on the Island—were killed by the toxic drug supply.  

This is a significant drop in these deaths compared with last year, and an even larger difference from 2023, when nearly every month had or surpassed 200 deaths in the province. On the Island, there has been a steady decline in toxic drug deaths since last summer. 

A similar trend has been seen south of the border. In 2024, the US recorded a 27% drop in opioid deaths, according to data released this week. ​​

Of those who died in BC, 76% were male and 67% were aged 30-59. The rate of females dying from toxic drugs decreased in 2025 after rising the last two years.

So far this year, fentanyl has been detected in 70% of toxic drug deaths—10% less than over the same months last year.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Cougar alert: Saanich PD is warning those in the Lochside Trail area (near Swan Lake) to be cautious as the cougar is exhibiting “concerning” behaviour. [Safety tips]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

BC Ferries anticipates ‘busiest summer yet’

The Victoria Day long weekend traditionally kicks off the ferry company’s peak season, and with British Columbians expected to travel less frequently to the US and more often within Canada due to wonky Can-Am relations, the carrier has forecast its “busiest summer yet.”

The company says it highly recommends booking in advance, travelling on less-busy routes, and during off-peak hours such as early mornings or late evenings, if possible.

BC Ferries says between May 15 and Sep. 2 of last year, it ferried more than nine million passengers and 3.7 million vehicles, and it anticipates more of the same this summer.

“We’re expecting it to be a busy season, and while we’re likely to face challenges due to the age of our fleet, we’re committed to working as hard as possible to get things back on track when those situations arise, keeping customers informed every step of the way and giving them the smoothest trip possible,” Lindsay Matthews, BC Ferries’ vice-president of marketing, said. 

The company says it “has implemented a series of strategic initiatives” to improve service, including adding 1K new sailings to high-traffic routes, completing 21 vessel refits, hiring 600+ seasonal and operational staff to support increased demand, and offering more pet-friendly travel—17 of BC Ferries’ 37 ships provide outer deck pet areas.

In addition, the company says it will offer new points of interest announcements on the Inside Passage routes, providing meaningful insights into the cultures and histories of coastal communities. 

Early in the summer, it expects to open a new Seascapes Lounge on two Spirit Class vessels on the Victoria-Vancouver route. 

The company says it has more incentives for off-peak travel and has optimized sailing schedules to better match demand and reduce peak-time congestion.

It also has beefed up its online presence with the new Current Conditions Beta Experience website page to check real-time sailing and terminal updates, including details such as how many reservations have already checked in and how many are still expected.

“These improvements are aimed at helping BC Ferries manage the expected increased demand this summer, ensuring reliable service for customers while continuing to prioritize sustainability and efficient operations,” the company said in a release.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🛩️ Non-stop Victoria-Ottawa service announced by Porter Airlines.

🎵 Explore music all summer long! The Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Summer Intensive Programs and Camps offer fun, creativity, and growth for all ages and levels.*

🍫 The world’s largest Nanaimo bar to be assembled tomorrow at VIU.

🚜 From classroom to community, Lacey Drozdowich is reconnecting people with the story behind their food—one conversation at a time. Read more here.*

 🥍☘️ Victoria Shamrocks announce new youth ticket initiative. *Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Teens arrested, accused of selling drugs at area detox centres
Saanich police said that on April 29, they began investigating the sale of illegal drugs to young people in group homes and detox centres. One week later, on May 6, with help from the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), Saanich’s street crime unit arrested two males, aged 16 and 17, who police said had in their possession 17 grams of suspected fentanyl, three grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 27 grams of cannabis. The teens were released and are to appear in court. [Saanich Police]

Motor vehicle charge approved against Central Saanich police officer: BC Prosecution Service
A cyclist was hit by a marked Central Saanich police vehicle on Wallace around 10pm last May 21. This week, charges were approved against Cpl. Phillip DiBattista for driving without due care. The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) forwarded its investigation to the BC Prosecution Service in March, having found reasonable grounds that the officer committed an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act. The officer’s first court appearance is scheduled for June 11. [CHEK]

Opioid restrictions meant to reduce overdoses also cut cancer patient pain meds
A study on the rules put in place by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in 2016—designed to reduce the over-prescription of opioids for non-cancer pain treatment—found they had a spillover effect on cancer and palliative-care patients’ access to pain relief. Prescribing opioids to these patients is widely considered acceptable, but doctors were worried that they could be disciplined for it. The rules were changed in 2018 once it became clear they were being misinterpreted. The study highlights the unintended consequences of making sweeping changes to practice standards. [CTV]

🗓️ Things to do

🎶 West Coast Reach Association presents: The Hope & Belonging Benefit Concert: In support of the work of the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR). United Commons Centre. May 24. 7pm. [Info]

🍻 Phillips Tasting Room Anniversary + Roast Kitchen Party: Celebrate the Tasting Room’s 7th anniversary and its new collab with Roast. Expect live DJs, birthday cake, specialty cocktails, and a full menu of sandwiches and snacks. Phillips Tasting Room. Today. 4-10pm. [Info]

🦉 Victoria Bird Week: Celebrate local birdlife with a week of bird walks, talks, and workshops hosted by the Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Now to May 17. [Info]

🌿 A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shakespeare’s humour and poetry brought to life by Ballet Victoria. Royal Theatre. Today and tomorrow. 7:30pm and 2pm. [Info]

🎵 Lunchtime Concerts at Market Square: Enjoy live music every Friday in May. Market Square's lower courtyard. Today. 12-1pm. [Info]

🎵 BYU Living Legends: A vibrant celebration of the cultural heritage of North and South America and the South Pacific, through music and dance. McPherson Playhouse. Tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: 2 Island universities in debt, being audited; Stephanie McLean gets Island’s first seat at cabinet table; Low-flying choppers from FortisBC over the next few weeks. [May 15]

Motorists: watch for animals on roadways. [Times Colonist]

Oak Bay Starbucks files to unionize, following Douglas store. [CHEK]

BC Premier David Eby off to Asia for trade mission. [June 1-10]

H-MART Victoria grand opening at Mayfair. [May 22]

An ivy-covered Empress Hotel circa.1956. [Facebook photo]

125th Victoria Day Parade is on Mon.

That’s it!

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