water tapThere were six presentations at city council last night (Monday) regarding fluoride in the city’s drinking water.

Dr. Fuad Karim is with the North Bay and District Dental Society.

He says tooth decay is a real issue for people in North Bay.


Karim says this would be worsened by removing fluoride from the city’s drinking water.

Another presenter was Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico, who says it’s a very important public health measure to have it in the water.

The cost was one of the reasons it was initially discussed by council. During early budget talks, some councillors proposed removing flouride for an annual savings of $50,000 per year.

Councillor Chris Mayne says it was something quite a few Councillors seemed to be in approval of. Mayne was in favour of bringing the proposal forward, but after last night’s meeting he says he may have changed his mind.

Meantime, the issue was raised during the water and waste water budget discussions this week.

When budget talks opened up, this department was looking at a 4.6% increase.

Chair of Engineering and Public Works Tanya Vrebosch says the majority of council agreed on moving forward with the 1.84%, and it includes fluoride remaining in the city’s drinking water.

It still needs final approval from council.