A disparity in drug presence is evident in wastewater samples from various Canadian cities, as per the latest data released by Statistics Canada. Notable variations were observed across eight cities in terms of detected drugs:
– Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Moncton, N.B., exhibited the highest levels of methamphetamine and cocaine.
– Halifax showed lower methamphetamine levels but relatively higher cocaine levels compared to other cities.
– Metro Vancouver continued to report significantly elevated fentanyl levels compared to the rest.
The survey conducted by StatCan analyzed drug metabolites in wastewater samples collected over one-week intervals every two months from January 2024 to March 2026, representing approximately 9.2 million individuals. While the data doesn’t pinpoint the exact number of drug users or their consumption levels, it serves as a reliable indicator of drug usage within the respective treatment plant service areas.
Prince Albert stood out for recording the highest methamphetamine levels among all monitored cities, with substantial fluctuations in both methamphetamine and cocaine concentrations. In March 2026, the estimated methamphetamine load in Prince Albert was 2,003 milligrams per 1,000 people per day, significantly surpassing Toronto’s levels.
Saskatoon also exhibited high methamphetamine levels, trailing behind Prince Albert, with a reading of around 958 milligrams per 1,000 people per day in March 2026. Regional drug consumption patterns could be linked to the local drug trafficking networks, as suggested by experts.
Edmonton reported a methamphetamine load of about 1,071 milligrams per 1,000 people per day in January 2025, dropping to 624 in March 2026. Moncton also registered high methamphetamine levels, accounting for a substantial share of stimulant toxicity deaths in New Brunswick.
Halifax recorded the lowest methamphetamine levels but comparatively higher cocaine levels in March 2026. Cocaine was predominant in stimulant-related deaths in Nova Scotia, reflecting a concerning trend highlighted in earlier reports by CBC.
Metro Vancouver consistently showed the highest fentanyl levels among the cities. While fentanyl levels decreased in 2025 and early 2026, reflecting a decline in unregulated drug-related deaths in the region, experts caution against oversimplifying fentanyl prevalence as purely demand-driven.
Toronto reported lower methamphetamine levels but the highest average MDMA levels across the reporting period. Montreal stood out for lower opioid levels compared to other cities, with a stimulant profile akin to Toronto’s.
Ghosh emphasized that while wastewater analysis sheds light on drug consumption trends, it should be considered alongside other factors. StatCan also warns of uncertainties introduced by factors like commuting patterns, tourism, and temporary population shifts.