Moncton wastewater shows methamphetamine levels among Canada’s highest, prompting health alerts

A Statistics Canada wastewater survey spanning January 2024 to March 2026 ranked Moncton’s methamphetamine concentrations among the highest of eight surveyed Canadian cities, trailing only Prince Albert and Saskatoon and surpassing Toronto and Metro Vancouver. Analyst Sianne Kuang noted the limited observation period prevents firm trend conclusions but confirmed that meth and cocaine levels remain above the combined city average, while emphasizing population and sewer-system differences can affect comparisons.

Moncton fire services recorded over 1,500 overdose calls between January and August last year, a rise of nearly 1,000 calls compared with the same period this year, prompting the creation of a rapid-response unit to avoid delays when medical and fire incidents coincide. Calls peaked at around 40 per day in late May, shortly after the wastewater data collection ended. Harm-reduction coordinator Jesse Goguen said methamphetamine is the second-most used drug among the group’s clients, often consumed to stay awake in cold conditions. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction reports a shift in stimulant-related deaths toward older adults, and Premier Susan Holt described the wastewater results as concerning yet unsurprising, highlighting ongoing preventative programs such as a second mental-health court and partnerships with frontline groups.