The Region of Waterloo Public Health issued a community drug alert on August 4, 2026, after 37 suspected overdoses and one suspected drug-related death were reported in just five days, from July 30 to August 3. The alert warns residents about a highly toxic street drug supply laced with stronger-than-expected fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
According to findings from Sanguen Health Centre’s Drug Checking Program, a number of hazardous drugs have turned up in local testing, including fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, an unregulated fentanyl-like opioid, and medetomidine, a strong sedative that is not an opioid. Medetomidine cannot be reversed with naloxone, but officials still urge people to give naloxone because it will work on any opioids that may also be in the drugs.
People experiencing overdoses have shown signs of deep sedation and very low heart rate. Complex withdrawal symptoms — including severe vomiting, chest pain, and slipping in and out of awareness — have also been reported. The alert advises anyone who uses drugs to always carry naloxone, never use alone, and get help right away if someone shows signs of an overdose.
The Sanguen Health Centre’s Drug Checking Program was temporarily closed but is set to reopen on August 6, 2026. The program lets people check what is in their drugs before using them and has previously found the dangerous substances now reported in the local supply.
This alert comes as opioid-related paramedic calls have nearly doubled in the region this year. By June 25, 2026, paramedics had responded to 864 calls, compared to 438 during the same period in 2025. Kitchener saw the most calls at 503, followed by Cambridge with 170 and Waterloo with 146. Central Kitchener had the highest concentration of calls.
