Strollers around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake Monday were able to enjoy the bright sunshine, blossoming trees and gardens alive with colourful daffodils and tulips.
But the harbingers of spring were tempered by the sobering symbolism of 1,500 purple flags planted along the perimiter path.
The flags were placed by volunteers from the Tri-Cities Community Action Team to commemorate lives lost to British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis.
On April 14, 2016, the provincial government declared the situation a public health emergency.
Since then, an average of 4.9 deaths due to the toxicity of the illicit drug supply have occurred every day.
In Coquitlam, the estimated number of death from toxic drugs is up 38 per cent from 2024, according to Fraser Health.
Roxanne Saxon, the program coordinator for the action team that works to build awareness of the toxic drug crisis, said the display of purple flags around the park make for an “impactful experience.”
As well, representatives from several community organizations were available Monday afternoon to share information about local resources and create space for visitors to connect and understand.
“Community engagement and understanding are essential for saving lives,” said Saxon.
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