Another three people died in Richmond in January from suspected drug poisonings.
The BC Coroners Service released its January drug poisoning death statistics on Thursday revealing that 198 people died across the province in that month.
Of the total deaths in the province, 76 per cent were men and 80 per cent occurred indoors - 47 per cent in private residences and 33 per cent in other indoor settings such as SROs, shelters and hotels.
In 2023, 26 people died in Richmond from suspected drug poisonings.
Two weeks ago, city council endorsed asking Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to look into setting up a safe-consumption site.
This, however, was kiboshed by the health authority just a day after the final vote was taken.
The motion, put forward by Couns. Kash Heed and Laura Gillanders, was met with loud protests and rallies at city hall with people chanting “no drugs, no drugs.”
City council heard from members of the public over two evenings – which ended in police having to escort at least one audience member out.
The final vote was 7-2 with Couns. Chak Au and Alexa Loo voting in opposition.
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