Red Deer voters may have their say on whether the city should fluoridate its drinking water — but not until 2013.

City Councillor Buck Buchanan brought forward a notice of motion regarding fluoridation on Tuesday in council chambers. The motion will be discussed at the next public council meeting on March 7.

The motion calls for administration to prepare a question for voters in conjunction with the municipal election in 2013.

The last time a plebiscite was held on fluoridation was in the mid-1950s and since then, the water treatment plant is legally required to continue this practice.

Fluoridation has sparked debate in recent years as some people believe that the cavity-fighting chemical causes health issues. Plus, people don’t have any choice on whether they want the compound in their water, say fluoride opponents.

Alberta Health Services and dental associations say scientific studies have not found water fluoridation to cause adverse health effects.

Calgary city council recently supported the removal of fluoride.

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