The re-introduction of fluoride into the municipal water supply in Windsor, Tecumseh and LaSalle continues to be a hot topic.
On Tuesday, Tecumseh council held a public meeting on the matter and heard from 27 delegations — some in favour and some opposed.
Dr. Tom Oper is a Paediatric Dentist in Windsor-Essex and is in favour of re-introducing fluoride. He believes the re-introduction will assist area children.
"Children cannot advocate on their own behalf, as our representatives you are in a position to advocate for the children in Tecumseh and Essex County and make change happen," says Dr. Oper.
Local resident Donna Mayne opposes the re-introduction of fluoride. She says even her family physician is against it.
"So, why should a public health doctor who has never assessed me or my family be able to ask you to interfere with advise I have got from someone who has," says Mayne.
Just a reminder, a final decision will not be made tonight. Council will hear from the presenters and then will make a final decision on February 12th. At that time, there will be no delegations. #cklw @AM800News
— Rob Hindi (@rhindi800) January 29, 2019
Joyce Zuk is Executive Director of Windsor-Essex Family Services.
She says she has to listen to the medical experts calling for the re-introduction.
"To me the data is clear that since the fluoride come out, we have some of the worst oral health outcomes in the country and that is not a badge that I want the community of Essex County to own," says Zuk.
Windsor resident Richard St. Denis attended last night's meeting and spoke against the local health unit's recommendation to re-introduce fluoride in the water supply.
He says there are many unanswered questions in the health unit's report.
"Is it because we have more residents, is it because we have more immigrants that brought those issues into the area?" asks St. Denis. "They bring their oral health issues with them if they move into the area. Is it because we have more coverage? What's the missing link is the connection to fluoride with the data that they're presenting?"
Windsor approved adding fluoride to the drinking water supply in December and, since Tecumseh and LaSalle get their water from the city, one of the two must vote in favour for it to happen.
Tecumseh council will make its final decision on February 12.