From Jan. 1 through the end of July, Calgary firefighters responded to nearly 6,000 overdose calls — a 143 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2025. “Any time you increase any type of call 143 per cent, it certainly puts a strain on resources. It’s also straining our members mentally and physically,” said Calgary Firefighters Association president Jamie Blayney. “It’s shocking.” The month that saw the most drastic increase was April, when firefighters went to 1,095 calls compared to 272 in April 2025, accounting for a 303 per cent rise. Blayney highlighted that in July, there were upwards of 35 calls per day. “That’s not really necessarily what they (firefighters) are trained for,” said Blayney. “It’s certainly straining our resources.” Blayney spoke with members of the media outside the downtown public library—an area where the majority of the calls are concentrated. “This is a big, beautiful building, and we want Calgarians to enjoy it,” said Blayney. Library users have also noticed the rise in overdose activity in the area. Sofia Montenegro studies at the library several times a week and called 911 last Tuesday after witnessing someone overdose. “It has been really jarring to see how much it has changed in a year or two,” said Montenegro. “It makes it scarier to walk around … even just walking up to the library.” The Calgary Central Library has noticed an uptick is overdose and social disorder activity over the past few months. “It’s a growing concern. It’s something we’re keeping an eye on and monitoring closely,” said Barb Gillard, executive director of Visitor Experience at the Downtown Public Library. “We want the library to be a safe space, a safer space where everyone belongs.” The downtown library has increased its security presence in recent months. Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre, is another downtown institution noticing the impacts of drug use downtown. “What we’re seeing in the neighborhood is a rise is just in social disorder. You’re starting to see loitering, open drug use. Behavior that you don’t expect to see on any street anywhere in the city,” said Chad Saunders, the director of operations at National Music Centre. Saunders points to the perception being a cause for concern. “We want people to know that there is an increase of the incidents on the street, but this is still a really safe place to come to,” he said. To help address the issue, Blayney is calling for a multifaceted solution involving all levels of government. “We’ve got to figure out a way to deal with this situation—get some solutions that are meaningful for both Calgarians and our members,” said Blayney.
