Nipissing First Nation has issued a public warning after three people in Nipissing and Parry Sound died from overdoses in less than two weeks. Between February 23rd and March 8th, there were ten reported opioid overdoses across the districts.
A news release states that of the ten overdoses, six involved fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous opioid. Naloxone, a life-saving treatment for opioid overdoses, was administered in all six cases.
Nipissing First Nation is urging everyone to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activity. If you know someone who is at risk, please seek help immediately. Naloxone kits are available at The Right Path building, located at 316 Ted Commanda Drive in Garden Village, or the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre, at 58 Semo Road in Garden Village.
According to the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, there were 189 suspect-drug related deaths reported in February 2025 in Ontario. From December 2024 to February 2025, there were 656 suspect-drug related deaths. In a recent study, the organization said an increasing number of overdose deaths in Ontario involves the use of more than one drug, with the combination of opioids and stimulants proving to be especially dangerous.
From 2018 to 2022, the monthly rate of overdose deaths involving one substance increased by 75 per cent, deaths involving two substances increased by 167 per cent, while the rate of deaths involving three or more substances increased by 186 per cent, the report stated. The researchers found that 12,115 accidental overdose deaths across the province were directly attributed to opioids, stimulants, alcohol and benzodiazepines during that time frame. Opioids, largely in the form of illicit fentanyl, contribute to a vast majority of overdose deaths in the province. They were found in nearly 84 per cent of drug toxicity deaths — more than 10,000 people.
A table of fatal-overdose rates from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario shows northern health units holding all of the top spots in the province. Thunder Bay had a rate of 78 people per 100,000 in the most recent quarter, five times the provincial average. That puts it on par with drug-stricken regions such as northern British Columbia, Washington and West Virginia. Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie had a 51 per 100,000 rate, and Orillia and Sudbury had a 36 per 100,000 rate.
On March 10th, OPP reported that approximately $30,000 worth of suspected fentanyl was seized after a vehicle was stopped at a RIDE checkpoint on Highway 6 near Foucault Drive in Espanola. The suspects also had about $2,500 in Canadian currency. Two men from Etobicoke face multiple charges including Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid.
Fentanyl is a very potent opioid, and even a few grains can be fatal. This is why fentanyl is causing high rates of overdose and overdose deaths. According to the Government of Canada’s website, it is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. You increase the risk of overdose if you use fentanyl with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids like heroin. Life-threatening effects can occur within 2 minutes of use.
Signs of a fentanyl or opioid overdose
The signs of a fentanyl overdose are the same as for all opioid overdoses:
- person is unresponsive
- slow, shallow breathing
- gurgling sounds or snoring
- cold, clammy or bluish skin
- severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness
If you do use opioids or drugs that may be contaminated with fentanyl:
- do not use alone
- carry naloxone and know the signs of an opioid overdose
In their news release, Nipissing First Nation advised those who use opioids to start with a smaller amount and call 911 if their high feels unusual. It is also recommended they don’t use drugs alone, but if they must use, do so with someone they trust.
For a list of addiction services available in the 705 region please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website.
