Fewer Deaths, More 911 Calls | Toronto News

Toronto News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Opioid deaths in Ontario are dropping—but 911 calls for suspected overdoses are surging, especially in Thunder Bay. Why? Street drugs now often contain veterinary drugs and benzodiazepines that don’t kill as quickly but make users harder to rouse, straining emergency services. With supervised consumption sites closed and drug use moving to hidden, unsafe spots, first responders are overwhelmed. While naloxone helps, it’s less effective against these new mixes. Experts warn that harm reduction and treatment must work hand-in-hand—fewer deaths aren’t enough; the crisis demands deeper, systemic…