On Sunday, Toronto’s skyline will glow purple as the CN Tower and the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square are lit in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.
Mayor Olivia Chow officially proclaimed August 31 as a day to honour those lost to drug-related deaths and to acknowledge the ongoing drug toxicity crisis affecting families and communities across the city.
Chow said the day is meant to raise awareness while “working to reduce the stigma associated with drug usage as well as overdoses caused by drug toxicity.” She also paid tribute to health care workers and harm reduction staff who respond daily to overdoses.
“It is important to remember that, with increased access to a full range of health care services and supports, non-fatal overdoses and overdose deaths caused by the toxic unregulated drug supply can be prevented,” the mayor’s proclamation stated.
Toronto joins communities worldwide in marking Overdose Awareness Day. Locally, the crisis remains urgent: in July alone, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Paramedic Services reported 253 non-fatal opioid overdose calls and seven fatal calls — a number lower than last year’s monthly average of 19 but still a stark reminder of the risks posed by an unregulated drug supply.
The purple lighting will serve as both a memorial and a call to action, highlighting the city’s commitment to compassion, awareness, and prevention.