Opioid-related fatalities in Ontario have plummeted by more than 50% since 2021, as reported in the most recent update from the Office of the Chief Coroner. However, northern Ontario has consistently recorded the highest mortality rates in the province due to the emergence of increasingly harmful substances in street drugs.
The provincial opioid mortality rate has decreased by 54% in 2025 compared to 2021 but remains 44% higher than in 2016, according to the latest report. Thunder Bay continues to have the highest opioid-related death rate, standing at 52.72 per 100,000 population, which is over five times the provincial average of 8.96. Three of the top five death rates in Ontario are from northern communities, with North Bay ranking third at 30.83 and Greater Sudbury fourth at 28.36.
Despite these alarming statistics, there is a decline in overall numbers. Thunder Bay has witnessed a reduction of over 37% in its opioid-related death rate since 2022, when it was 77.2 per 100,000 population, as per the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network.
Recent data coincides with two separate drug alerts issued in the region. The Northwestern Health Unit released a drug alert after observing 11 non-fatal opioid poisonings or overdoses in Kenora within a single day. Furthermore, NorWest Community Health Centres in Thunder Bay sounded the alarm about a lethal substance mixture detected in drug tests.
Dr. David Marsh, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, highlighted the presence of illegally manufactured opioids in northern Ontario, often containing hazardous substances like fentanyl and veterinary tranquilizers such as Medetomidine and xylazine.
To address the mental health and addiction needs of individuals effectively, Marsh emphasized the importance of improved coordination across the healthcare system to ensure sustained treatment benefits.
A concerning shift from heroin to fentanyl and carfentanil has been noted. Carfentanil, an incredibly potent substance, was reportedly found in a drug known as “dizzy” in Kenora. The dangers of carfentanil were underscored, with Marsh explaining that even minute quantities could lead to fatal overdoses.
Naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, can be obtained free of charge from pharmacies or local health units. However, it may not be effective against other harmful substances mixed with opioids. Marsh advocated for the use of medications like methadone and buprenorphine, which have shown to significantly reduce the risk of overdose deaths.
In a controversial decision, the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, announced the withdrawal of funding for seven supervised consumption sites, slated for closure by mid-June. This move follows the shutdown of nine other sites last year due to proximity to schools and daycares. The province has shifted focus to the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, offering a range of support services.
Marsh expressed concerns regarding the closure of supervised consumption sites, emphasizing the increased risks to individuals. He stressed the importance of destigmatizing drug use to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
With no supervised consumption sites currently operational in northern Ontario, Marsh emphasized the need for respectful and non-stigmatizing approaches to assist individuals struggling with substance use disorders.