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Good morning,

Drug deaths in the Fraser Valley nearly doubled between February and March, and the numbers behind that spike are worth understanding. Robyn has the full picture below.

Also in today's newsletter: a new interventional radiology suite has opened at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, and Fraser Valley families can claim free tickets to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

– Emily

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🛣 Click here for links to road cameras across the Fraser Valley, including those for the Coquihalla, Highway 7, Hope-Princeton, Fraser Canyon, and Highway 1 in Langley and Abbotsford.

The BC Coroners Service says 135 people in BC died from toxic drug use in March, 38 of whom were in the Fraser Health region.

This is nearly double the number of deaths in February, when 20 people died. The province’s death toll that month—equating to 4.4 deaths per day—was also higher than in February.

Toxic drug death data for April hasn’t been released yet, but Fraser Health put out an overdose alert for the Surrey and White Rock region, saying there was an increase in non-opioid sedatives that aren’t responsive to overdose-reversing naloxone. 

In the first three months of 2026, 401 British Columbians died from unregulated drug use. Fraser Health accounts for 101 of those deaths, with 26 occurring in the North Fraser Valley, 29 in East Fraser, and 46 in South Fraser. 

Abbotsford has lost 10 people to illicit drugs in 2026, Chilliwack lost nine, Langley lost 10 and Surrey lost 35. Drug death data is not available for all municipalities.

People aged 30 to 59 accounted for 68% of toxic drug deaths in the province. The majority—nearly 80%—were male.

Most drug deaths occur indoors: this year, 82% happened in private residences, supportive housing, and shelters. Outdoor deaths accounted for 17%. 

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🏃 About 3,000 participants turned out for the 19th annual Run for Water at Mill Lake Park on May 25, raising funds for clean water access in Uganda and the DR Congo. [Run for Water]

🏟️ More than 200 leaders gathered at UFV on May 21 for the second Fraser Valley Economic Summit, with discussions focused on trade, infrastructure, and the region's economic future. [FVBC]

🏥 A modernized $6-million interventional radiology suite has opened at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, funded by the province, the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District, and a $1-million private donation. [Fraser Health]

🎷 The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival has named saxophonist Bea Lagrisola and singer-songwriter Rowan Cyr as its 2026 Rising Jazz Stars, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship and a performance slot at the July festival. [Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival]

🚨 Langley City has partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to provide 24/7 emergency support for displaced residents, including lodging, food, and clothing. [Langley City]

🪐 Fraser Valley families in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, and Kent can register for 1,600 free tickets to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on June 14 and 20. [H.R. MacMillan Space Centre]

💙 Prospera has contributed $40,000 to Archway Community Services to expand free men's counselling programs in the Fraser Valley. [Archway Community Services]

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GoByBike Week Celebration Station: HUB Cycling sets up a celebration station at Mill Lake Park on May 30 with cycling information, resources, and local riding opportunities.

Pressed and Painted: The Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild presents paintings by local artists alongside demonstrations of foam relief printing and drawing at Clearbrook Library, June 6–7.

Hope Farmers Market: The Hope Farmers Market runs every Sunday at Memorial Park, with local growers, makers, bakers, and artists.

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