Wawa will not be voting on fluoridation this fall, as a petition fell short of requirements.
While a petition calling for a plebiscite on drinking water fluoridation in Wawa was received with 301 signatures, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill says it did not meet the requirements under Ontario's Fluoridation Act.
O'Neill noted to Council last night that there were some duplicate names and a lack of signatures for some entries, and explains the petition's signatures were verified against the local electors list - in two forms.
O'Neill notes it is now too late to file another petition to get the question on the ballot for this year's municipal election.
While municipal elections are only held every four years, that doesn't mean the earliest this could go to a vote would be 2030, as O'Neill says Council could decide to hold a special plebiscite or referendum, assuming a successful petition is submitted.
Wawa originally approved the fluoridation of the public water supply in a 1985 plebiscite.
UPDATE: The Municipality of Wawa has issued an official release on this.