On March 25, 2026, Region of Waterloo Public Health extended a community drug alert after 27 suspected overdoses and three deaths occurred in the Waterloo region due to a toxic local supply. This five-day spike follows a similar alert from earlier in the month, bringing the two-week total to 59 suspected overdoses and five deaths in the community.
The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) issued the warning after noticing a sudden increase in emergency calls and hospital visits between March 20 and March 24, 2026. The committee monitors local data to warn residents and service providers when the risk of drug-related emergencies becomes unusually high.
Testing from the Sanguen Health Centre drug checking program found that the local supply contains dangerous substances like carfentanil and veterinary sedatives. These ingredients can cause severe reactions including extreme sleepiness, memory loss, and very low heart rates that require immediate medical attention.
Health officials warn that because of these strong drug mixtures, life-saving nasal sprays like naloxone may require multiple doses to be effective. Residents are encouraged to carry naloxone kits, avoid using drugs alone, and utilize drug checking services to stay safe.
