Excerpts:

Snow clearing and cavity fighting were the hot button topics at Saturday’s meet-city-council event.

The mayor and city councillors were joined by more than 30 staff from all departments who were on hand to answer questions and hear concerns at the Bower Place Shopping Centre.

Councillor Dianne Wyntjes said the message she was getting on the fluoride front is don’t spend money on a plebiscite now, but wait until the next election…

Another new councillor Chris Stephan also got a taste of the fluoride debate, which he called a “split issue.”

There was clearer direction on snow removal..

As far as a fluoride plebiscite goes, Flewwelling said he’s not anxious to spend the $160,000 needed to hold a plebiscite before the next election. But putting it on the municipal ballot could also be problematic because it’s an emotional issue with clearly divided lines.

“I’m not sure it can be answered other than by plebiscite. And even by plebiscite, I don’t think is the most informed way.

“But at least it’s a fair way with our system of government to deal with an issue like fluoride.”

Flewwelling said the Let’s Talk initiative seems to be well received by the public.

“I think, by and large, most people just appreciate the informal opportunity to speak.”

Print PDF