Tragedy struck in Metchosin on the eve of Overdose Awareness Day

Community members in the Westshore marked International Overdose Awareness Day with a solemn gathering in Sooke on Saturday to remember lives lost to drug overdose and to support those struggling with addiction. Those gathered had two more lives to mourn.

Early Friday morning, West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a group of four people experiencing medical distress at Taylor Beach in Metchosin. Despite efforts of first responders, RCMP confirmed two women died at the scene. Two men who appeared to be suffering drug overdoses were rushed to hospital where, as of the time of the investigation, were in critical condition.

The BC Coroners Service was notified of the deaths and the police are continuing their investigation. Beach and road access was restricted in the area of Taylor Road while the investigation took place.

RCMP assures no foul play is suspected and there is no risk to the general public.

Last year, 2,572 lives were lost to drug toxicity across the province, according to the latest BC Coroner report. This year, 162 died in July alone. And while that number is down 15% from last year, the numbers show that the toxic drug crisis in the CRD is far from receding.  

Capital Daily has reported on lethal and the non-lethal but adverse impacts of toxic drugs on people in the CRD.  

Island Health’s 2024 theme for Overdose Awareness Day was “Together we can.” It’s  a message meant to “highlight the power of community when people stand together” to fight the impacts toxic drugs have on individuals, families and communities.

Speaking to mark these events, Island Health board chair Leah Hollins said “Officially, we are eight years into the BC toxic drug crisis and it is unrelenting. While we remember those who are no longer with us, International Overdose Awareness Day is also a time to acknowledge the grief and trauma experienced by those impacted by the deaths, whether health care staff, caregivers, or family and friends. The crisis takes an enormous collective toll over the years.”

Other regional commemorative events were held at Our Place Society and at Broad View United Church in Victoria, hosted by Moms Stop the Harm, Victoria Community Action Team, and Broad View United.

In commemoration of those impacts, Island Health has invited people to share their memories, words and photos to honour people tragically taken by poisoned substances on a digital memory mural. The portal will be open until Sept. 20.

Chief medical health officer at Island Health, Dr. Réka Gustafson said, “The effect on people in Island Health communities is undeniable. Remembering those we lost is one way to honour them and to keep them in the centre of the dialogue about a meaningful response.”

The deaths in Metchosin come only two days after a soft launch for the Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub. The hub integrates existing mental health and addiction services for Westshore communities and brings holistic, client-centred care to those struggling with the braided challenges of addiction and mental health.