3 die on Victoria streets little more than an hour apart as Island Health issues drug toxicity warning

Three individuals tragically passed away in close succession in Victoria on Monday, with Victoria police and the B.C. Coroners Service confirming the deaths. The deaths have sparked concern among outreach workers, who believe that the city’s enforcement of anti-sheltering bylaws has made it more challenging for support workers to assist those in need on downtown streets. The deaths have been attributed to drug overdoses, with the B.C. Coroners Service indicating that the cause of all four deaths is still under investigation.

On March 8, a man also died in downtown Victoria, adding to the growing concern over the safety of those living on the streets. Island Health has issued an advisory warning of an increased risk to individuals using unregulated substances on the South Island, as drug poisonings are on the rise in Greater Victoria.

Karen Mills, the founder of Peer 2 Peer Indigenous Society, expressed her dismay at the recent deaths, pointing to the impact of the city’s enforcement efforts on those struggling with homelessness and addiction. She highlighted the challenges faced by outreach workers in locating and assisting individuals who have been displaced due to the enforcement of bylaws.

Correne Antrobus, the B.C. lead for Holding Hope, echoed Mills’ concerns, noting that the street sweeps conducted by the city are exacerbating the toxic drug crisis by driving individuals to use substances alone, leading to fatal outcomes. She emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach to supporting vulnerable populations.

The City of Victoria has defended its bylaw enforcement practices, stating that bylaw officers work to connect unhoused individuals with services and that impounding personal property is a last resort. However, critics argue that these measures are pushing individuals further away from support systems, resulting in tragic consequences.

The recent deaths have prompted calls for a memorial service to honor the lives lost. Outreach workers plan to hold a ceremony to remember the individuals who passed away, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing the complex issues faced by those living on the streets. Despite the challenges and stigma faced by individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction, advocates are committed to advocating for a more humane and supportive approach to addressing the crisis.