Opioid overdose calls down but experts say battle is far from over
Posted Feb 11, 2026 04:23:22 AM.
Last Updated Feb 11, 2026 10:15:42 AM.
Region of Waterloo Public Health said opioid overdose calls are on the decline, as well as opioid-related emergency department visits, confirmed opioid toxicity deaths and suspected drug-related deaths.
Data was presented to regional councillors this week, showing lower numbers in 2025, compared to the year before.
The good news comes, however, with a hesitant reaction from local health officials as they noted this data can quickly change.
For example, across the seven municipalities in Waterloo Region, Kitchener and Cambridge stood out as having the highest rates of suspected opioid overdose calls and deaths.
“The lower numbers in 2025 are in line with the data trends that we are seeing at the provincial and national levels. However, the reasons behind the decline remain unclear,” said Dr. Rabia Bana, associate medical officer of health.
“With the unpredictable toxicity of the illegal drug supply, trends can shift at any time. Ongoing commitment to prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery is needed.”
The report noted the local Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hub is fully operational and is still expanding.
The transitional housing program is set to open this spring.
The HART hub was opened in April last year, after the province ordered the shutdown of several Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) sites across Ontario that were within 200 metres of a school or child-care centre.
Other key groups for prevention and treatment include the Youth Mental Health and Addictions Prevention Mobilization Team, the Harm Reduction Work Group and Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS), which has finalized and approved an enforcement strategy.
