Vernon sees another month with no fatal overdoses

Jun 11, 2026 | 4:36 PM

Vernon had its second month this year with no illicit drug deaths.

The B.C. Coroners Service said there were no deaths linked to toxic drugs in Vernon in April, building off a February that also saw no such deaths.

As of the end of April the North Okanagan city had seen just four deaths associated with illicit substances.

Meanwhile, Kelowna had two fatal overdoses in April, bringing the city’s four month death toll up to 25.

Across B.C. there were 119 lives lost to illicit drugs, bringing the provincial year-to-date drug death total to 522.

No Drug Deaths in April

Vernon sees another month with no fatal overdoses

1h ago

256 New Spaces

Okanagan College expanding skilled trades class spaces

3h ago

Essential Equipment

New infant care machine coming to Vernon following successful fundraiser

4h ago

The Coroners Service said 81 per cent of the deaths recorded in B.C. so far in 2026 occurred inside, with 52 per cent in private residences, and 30 per cent in social and supportive housing, hotels and motels, shelters, and other indoor spaces.

The coroners service added that 69 per cent of people who had died from toxic drugs so far this year were between the age of 30 and 59, while 76 per cent were male.

by Liam Verster

View Comments