Red Deer’s fluoride debate may end up going to the public in the next few weeks.
City council will decide on Monday whether to begin a community consultation process on Nov. 1, with a report to come back by Dec. 12.
Back in May, civic leaders voted unanimously to hold a “public conversation” on how the public wants the city to address the fluoride issue. Fluoride is a cavity-fighting chemical.
After public feedback is gathered, council plans to debate whether to go to a citizen vote on fluoride or decide the issue without a plebiscite.
“This consultation will not focus on whether the city should or shouldn’t continue to fluoridate its municipal water supply,” said senior communications consultant Tara Shand. “It will focus on how we go about making that decision.”
Fluoridation of municipal water is being debated in cities, towns and municipalities all across the country. Some decided to continue fluoridating with others choosing not to.
Fluoridation of Red Deer’s public water supply is mandated by a plebiscite that was held in the 1950s. The water treatment plant is legally required to continue this practice.
Right now, the city adds fluoride to its municipal water supply in a concentration of less than 0.8 mg/l per the guidelines set out by Health Canada. The city is legally required to continue this practice until city council directs administration for an amendment to its operating approval.
Shand said the consultation is the first step in determining whether the city will continue to fluoride its water or change the amount of fluoride.
“It’s not an easy decision and we want the community to help us make it,” said Shand.
Proposed consultation may include everything from surveys to online engagement opportunities for both Red Deerians and regional water customers.
However, if people direct council to carry out a plebiscite, only Red Deer citizens would be able to participate at that time.
For information, visit www.reddeer.ca.
— copyright Red Deer Advocate