The fluoride is expected to be turned off in Waterloo by Nov. 29, after a recommendation by Waterloo Region's Administration and Finance Committee.

Regional councillors voted unanimously to end fluoridation and to monitor dental health in the community.

The final decision now rests with Waterloo Regional Council, which is expected to uphold the decision when it meets next week.

Residents in Waterloo Region narrowly voted against continuing to fluoridate tap water in the October municipal election.

Fluoridation has been in place in Waterloo Region for 43 years, but 50.3 per cent of voters said ‘no' to continuing the practice.

Waterloo Councillor Angela Vieth says "It was a grassroots movement, we had money from our citizens, individual citizens that got this and we worked hard for it, they worked hard, our committee worked hard."

The vote came despite that fact that two previous referendums on the issue in the 1980s saw voters say ‘yes' to fluoridation. However, neither Cambridge nor Kitchener currently fluoridate tap water.

While the referendum was not binding, the mayor and regional councillors had said they would honour the wishes of the majority.

Representatives from Ontario and Waterloo Dental Associations lobbied at the meeting for the retention of fluoridation or a delay in the decision.

Dr. Matt Facica of the Waterloo Wellington Dental Association says "We do see first hand the benefits of water fluoridation. Water fluoridation in the right amounts is safe and effective."

Concerns also remain that the slim victory does not necessarily reflect the views of the community.

In addition to monitoring the impact on dental health Waterloo Region plans to focus on other oral health initiatives.

Robert Fleming of Waterloo Watch campaigned against fluoridation, and he applauds the move, "Now it's time our community set aside our differences as we continue to be friends and neighbours as we address dental…in a much more direct and targeted manner."

He also wants to see money re-captured from turning fluoride off go to programs that target those most in need.