REGINA - A special city council meeting has been called in May which concerns the use of fluoride in Regina water.
Back in 2021, city council approved adding fluoride to the city’s water supply, but that was until upgrades were completed at the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment facility.
Those upgrades are set to be completed in 2025, with fluoride being added to the water in 2026.
However, Ward 10. Coun Clark Bezo put forward a motion back on the March 6th city council meeting, which is reconsidering the decision made in 2021.
Bezo has cited health concerns as the prominent reason for his motion.
An expert panel working with Health Canada in fluoride in drinking water may be associated with reduced IQ scores in children at fluoride levels that may be found in Canadian drinking water."
However, the panel concluded "there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend a specific starting point or health-based value for neurocognitive effects."
Other cities across Canada have reversed their course on fluoride in water, including Montreal, which cited concerns by the United States National Toxicology Program as the reason for its decision.
Dental experts have stressed the need for the mineral in drinking water, saying it "significantly reduces tooth decay and promotes overall oral health for people of all ages," according to
Whether or not the city will use fluoride beginning in 2026 will be decided on May 2.
