Opioid Overdoses Surge in Ontario | Toronto News

Toronto News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 5, 2026 · 1m

Opioid overdose calls are surging across four Ontario cities, with Hamilton seeing nearly triple the cases in early 2026 compared to last year, Toronto up 115%, Ottawa 52%, and Thunder Bay 20%. Experts blame a more toxic drug supply—including veterinary drugs—and the closure of supervised consumption sites over the past two years, which removed critical harm reduction services. While the government pushes abstinence-based treatment hubs as a solution, data shows these sites previously saved lives and eased emergency strain. The crisis underscores the urgent need for balanced, effective harm…