Overdose calls in Saskatoon nearly doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the city's fire department.
The Saskatoon Fire Department reported a significant spike, with 2,512 overdose incidents last year, up from 1,281 in 2024. In late February 2025 alone, crews responded to over 60 overdoses in four days. March saw 509 overdoses, more than double the 2024 monthly average, peaking at 34 in a single day.
The department alerted the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency about this unprecedented surge. Overdoses topped the list of emergency medical services calls.
This year, the trend continues with an overdose advisory issued in April after 150 calls in the first 12 days. In response, a temporary overdose outreach paramedic was hired, and emergency communications were expanded to support the overdose outreach team.