EMC News – Carleton Place councillors will get the chance to learn more about both sides of the debate regarding fluoridation in drinking water.

The occasion will come June 4 at an information session – held upstairs at the town hall at the start of the regular Carleton Place council meeting at 7 p.m. Council finalized details for the gathering at the May 7 physical environment committee meeting, which was chaired by Coun. Jerry Flynn.

Parties for (Dr. Paula Stewart, medical officer of health at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) and against (Rob J. Fleming, president of Canadians Opposed to Fluoridation) will make a presentation and address questions from council members.

“Mr. Fleming is coming from Waterloo,” said Flynn. “I would hate to restrict the amount (of time) of his presentation, as well as the medical officer of health.”

The town’s chief administrative officer (CAO), Paul Knowles said he already received one request to register to speak on the agenda item.

“I suggest we follow our normal procedure, which is the flexibility of the chair,” said deputy mayor Ed Sonnenburg.

“I want clarification,” said Antonakos. “This is very important. Is there a commitment from this council to allow comment on this particular item that evening?” “How many hours, or are you simply talking about a comment?” asked Sonnenburg.

“That is a separate question, deputy mayor,” stated Antonakos. “The time is one thing. The other is: Will we entertain questions from the gallery?” “It is up to the chair,” said Flynn. LeBlanc agreed with Sonnenburg that normal procedure be followed.

“However, I just want to remind everyone that the initial reason for having this was to educate council on both sides of the issue,” she added. “I think we need to make sure council members have ample opportunity to ask all the questions they have. Time permitting, we go to questions from the floor – as we normally do.”

According to Knowles, Carleton Place has fluoridated its water supply since 1962.

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