If city council gets its way, fluoride in Calgary's water supply will be a thing of the past.
Councilors spent much of the afternoon on Tuesday debating the issue and in the end they agreed to stop adding fluoride to the water.
Ten councilors supported the removal and just three were opposed to the motion.
Those who supported the motion:
- Gian-Carlo Carra
- Andre Chabot
- Peter Demong
- Jim Stevensen
- Shane Keating
- Ray Jones
- Diane Colley-Urquhart
- John Mar
- Druh Farrell
- Dale Hodges
Those who were opposed to the motion:
- Gord Lowe
- Richard Pootmans
- Gael MacLeod
The Mayor and Councilor Pincott were absent from voting.
They have also decided not to put the issue to a public vote and they have opted not to consult with the expert panel that was offered by the University of Calgary for free.
Councilor Gian-Carlo Carra says the decision to vote against fluoride came down to a poor argument from the scientific community.
"I think the health science view is predicated on a certain approach which I think is no longer entirely relevant and I encourage health scientists to come forward with a point of view that carries the full view of science but is also more relevant to the sensibilities of the day," said Carra.
Alberta Health says it is disappointed and that it is a big advocate of keeping fluoride in the water.
Those who oppose the addition of fluoride are happy and say their opposition to the substance finally took hold among the public.
"I think public awareness has grown significantly, especially because of the internet, social media, lots of information out there right now, freedom of choice has always been important as well," said Elke Babiuk.
The issue now goes to Alberta Environment who will have to amend the water licence, which can take several months.
Calgary added fluoride to the drinking water in 1991.
