The drug scene in Canadian cities varies widely, as evidenced by wastewater analysis comparing Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Moncton, Halifax, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and Toronto.
Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals stark contrasts in drug traces found in wastewater across these locations:
- Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Moncton showed high levels of methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Halifax had low methamphetamine but elevated cocaine levels.
- Metro Vancouver maintained significantly higher fentanyl levels compared to other cities.
The study, conducted from January 2024 to March 2026, analyzed drug metabolites in wastewater samples collected every two months, serving approximately 9.2 million individuals. While it doesn’t pinpoint individual drug users or consumption amounts, StatCan views it as a reliable indicator of drug usage within specific regions.
According to StatCan analyst Sianne Kuang, the wastewater data is a valuable proxy for monitoring drug trends in the areas linked to treatment plants.
A person in Saskatoon using a crystal meth pipe in August 2023. Methamphetamine levels were notably high in Prairie cities, with Prince Albert leading the pack in the study. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)
Prince Albert
Prince Albert displayed the highest methamphetamine levels among the monitored cities and witnessed significant methamphetamine and cocaine fluctuations.
In March 2026, the estimated methamphetamine load in Prince Albert stood at 2,003 milligrams per 1,000 individuals daily, over nine times higher than Toronto’s roughly 214 milligrams.
Kora DeBeck, a professor at Simon Fraser University School of Public Policy, pointed out that various factors contribute to regional substance use, such as market availability.
Saskatoon
Saskatoon also recorded elevated methamphetamine levels, trailing Prince Albert and Moncton. The city reported around 958 milligrams of methamphetamine per 1,000 individuals daily in March 2026.
DeBeck suggested that regional drug circulation patterns could be linked to local market access and distribution networks.
The dynamics of drug production and trafficking remain largely obscure, according to DeBeck.
Edmonton
Edmonton’s methamphetamine levels peaked at approximately 1,071 milligrams per 1,000 individuals daily in January 2025, dropping to 624 in March 2026 — nearly triple Toronto’s levels during that period.
Moncton
Moncton also showed high methamphetamine levels, with the drug contributing to 63% of stimulant toxicity deaths in New Brunswick in 2024, the highest proportion among Atlantic provinces.
Joining the study in March 2025, Moncton’s data is limited for identifying long-term trends.
Halifax
In March 2026, Halifax reported the lowest methamphetamine levels among the monitored cities, at 56 mill