There have been fewer unregulated drug deaths in the health service delivery areas that represent the Cariboo so far this year compared to last year.
The BC Coroners Service says the death rate in the Northern Interior, which includes Quesnel, was at 53.3 people per 100,000 through October.
That is still second out of 16 health service delivery areas in the province, but down from 66 people per 100,000 in all of 2024.
Looking at the specific numbers, 66 people have died from a suspected overdose through October of this year, compared to 134 in all of 2024.
The Thompson/Cariboo/Shuswap, which includes Williams Lake and 100 Mile House, is 6th out of 16 health service delivery areas with a death rate of 43 people per 100,000.
That is also down from 55.9 per 100,000 in 2024.
Province-wide, 150 unregulated overdose fatalities were reported in October, which works out to about five people per day.
Toxic drugs claimed a total of 1,538 people in B.C. in the first 10 months of this year.
