Okotoks residents will wait a little longer to find out whether or not fluoride will be removed from the Town’s drinking water.
The issue was not brought before town council on Monday in order to give Town administration more time to tabulate results of public consultation, including an online survey on the Town’s website.
The information will be brought to council at its next meeting on April 23.
The additional time is welcome to ensure council gets all the information it needs, said Coun. Florence Christophers, who first sought the removal of fluoride from Okotoks drinking water in January. Christophers said the time could be well-used to work on details on a proposal to provide fluoride supplements, such as drops or mouthwash, to low-income families that want it.
“Let’s take the time it takes to get the information back,” she said.
Town council held a public hearing into the issue on March 26 to hear from experts on both sides of the debate and gather feedback from residents.
When the issue was first brought to council in January, council had been scheduled to make a decision on the matter on April 9, however, it was not on the council agenda on Monday.
Supporters of fluoridation have argued the program provides a source of fluoride for those who may not be able to afford regular dental care.
Christophers argued fluoridation is a band-aid solution that doesn’t get to the root of cavities.
She would like to see a public health program that can address things like diet and access to dental services. Christophers hopes the Town and Alberta Health Services (AHS) can work together to improve oral health for children in the community.
This has posed a problem with an Okotoks neighbour to the north.
When Calgary city council voted last year to remove fluoride from the city’s drinking water supply it also voted to create a program to provide fluoride to low-income families. During a March public hearing into the issue, AHS medical officer of health Dr. Richard Musto said the city hasn’t been successful in putting together such a program so far.
While she couldn’t comment on the Calgary situation, she said Okotoks is a much smaller community and it should be easier to create a program that would work for the community.
“There’s no excuse for Okotoks, we can do this,” she said.
