Over 450 homeless people died in B.C. in 2023, according to coroner
The Tragic Increase in Homeless Deaths in British Columbia
The annual death toll of people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia has nearly tripled in just a four-year period, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.
A new report says at least 458 homeless people died in 2023, up 23 per cent from the year before, when 373 died. The new toll was also nearly three times the 155 deaths reported in 2020.
Since 2016, 1,940 homeless people have died in B.C., according to chief coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan.
“The data speaks to the tragic reality of the struggles many face in our communities throughout B.C.,” he said in a statement.
Homeless deaths appear to be closely related to the toxic drug crisis.
According to the coroners service, of the 458 homeless deaths recorded in 2023:
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86 per cent were due to “accidental unregulated drug toxicity.”
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91 per cent were classified as “accidental.”
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More than half were between the ages of 30 and 49.
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79 per cent were male.
The number of deaths held mostly steady between 2016 and 2020, with an average of 162 per year, before rising sharply in 2021, according to the data.
In 2023, Fraser Health was the region with the highest number of deaths at 117, followed by Island Health with 114, Vancouver Coastal Health at 95, Interior Health with 86 and Northern Health with 46.
The report defines homelessness within a range of situations, from someone living outdoors or in a make-shift shelter or vehicle, to those staying in emergency or short-term shelters, safe homes or transition houses.
The largest one-year increase was recorded by Island Health, with fatalities rising from 74 in 2022 to 114 in 2023.
The coroners service said the report is based on preliminary data that could change as new information becomes available.
CBC News requested an interview with Baidwan, but he was not available.
The rising trend in homeless deaths in British Columbia is a cause for great concern, as the number of fatalities has nearly tripled in just four years. The latest report from the B.C. Coroners Service revealed that 458 homeless individuals lost their lives in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year’s death toll of 373. This is a stark contrast to the 155 deaths reported in 2020, highlighting the worsening crisis faced by those experiencing homelessness in the province.
Chief coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan expressed his distress over the data, stating that it reflects the harsh reality of the challenges many individuals in B.C. communities are enduring. The majority of homeless deaths were found to be linked to the toxic drug crisis, with 86% of fatalities in 2023 attributed to accidental unregulated drug toxicity. Additionally, 91% of the deaths were classified as accidental, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support for this vulnerable population.
The demographic breakdown of homeless deaths revealed that more than half of the individuals who passed away were between the ages of 30 and 49, with a significant majority being male. The report also highlighted regional disparities, with Fraser Health recording the highest number of deaths at 117, followed by Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Interior Health, and Northern Health.
The report emphasized that homelessness encompasses a range of situations, from individuals living on the streets to those seeking refuge in emergency shelters or transition houses. The tragic increase in homeless deaths was particularly pronounced in Island Health, where fatalities surged from 74 in 2022 to 114 in 2023.
While the coroners service noted that the data is based on preliminary information and subject to change, the concerning trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of homelessness and prevent further loss of life. Efforts to combat the toxic drug crisis and provide support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness are essential in mitigating this devastating issue.
As the community grapples with the profound impact of these deaths, it is imperative that government agencies, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups work collaboratively to implement effective strategies that prioritize the well-being and safety of vulnerable populations in British Columbia.
