Locals in Campbell River, B.C., expressed alarm over the recent spike in overdose deaths, with 13 fatalities occurring within a six and a half week period. The small city, home to approximately 35,000 residents and located 220 kilometers northwest of Victoria on Vancouver Island, was already grappling with a significant number of street deaths. This surge prompted a rare cautionary statement from the local RCMP regarding a potential influx of highly toxic drugs circulating in the community.
The impact of these deaths extends deeply within the social fabric of Campbell River, affecting users, their loved ones, and healthcare providers who form tight-knit support networks. Anne-Marie Levac, a resident and crack cocaine user, lamented the loss of friends in the recent fatalities.
Contrary to the declining trend of overdose cases observed across British Columbia and beyond since late 2024, Campbell River recorded a sharp increase in deaths. Figures from the B.C. Coroners Service revealed 21 fatalities in the city up to August, escalating to 34 following the September spike.
Dr. Jacquie Erikson, a local family physician specializing in addiction medicine, emphasized the need for enhanced addiction services to combat the rising death toll. She attributed the city’s elevated drug usage rates, in part, to its geographical location, attracting individuals from neighboring regions seeking services unavailable in their own communities.
Erikson highlighted the recent loss of key community resources like harm reduction kiosks and detox facilities, expressing concerns about individuals resorting to risky drug use practices in secluded settings. The prevalence of fentanyl as a primary contributor to overdoses in the region was also noted.
While Campbell River offers harm reduction services and drug testing sites, the absence of accessible detox centers poses a significant challenge for those seeking to overcome addiction. Efforts to address homelessness in the city have resulted in the creation of 48 new housing units since the previous year, targeting individuals who have experienced prolonged periods of homelessness.
Chantal Costaz, who tragically lost her son Santos to an overdose in 2022, emphasized the urgent need to address mental health issues and the deadly drug supply to prevent further loss of life. Reflecting on her son’s struggle with addiction, she underscored the devastating impact of toxic substances on vulnerable individuals.
Costaz’s advocacy for marginalized individuals in Campbell River symbolizes a collective community response to the ongoing drug crisis. However, the recent surge in fatalities serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures in addressing substance abuse issues, prompting a call for more comprehensive interventions to save lives.