The Municipality of Cumberland has approved a measure to halt the establishment of data centers focused on artificial intelligence. The bylaw proposing a six-month pause on development permit applications for such facilities received unanimous support during the council’s first reading.
During the meeting, Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling raised concerns voiced by residents regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity consumption, both locally and environmentally. Houghtaling emphasized the need for an informed decision-making process and drew comparisons between Nova Scotia and Alberta, highlighting the interconnectedness of communities in Nova Scotia.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy expressed proactive support for the moratorium, citing the need to gather information and make well-informed decisions before allowing developments. The council’s move aligns with Oakville, Ontario, which recently initiated a one-year moratorium on new data centers, making Cumberland a pioneering municipality in Nova Scotia in this regard.
The initiative stemmed from community apprehension following a land purchase in Malagash, where 3Sha Infotech Inc., based in Mississauga, Ontario, acquired farmland. The lack of communication from the company regarding its plans prompted the municipality to take a proactive stance based on community feedback.
Local resident Kate Dunn applauded the decision to pause AI data center development, citing concerns such as noise disturbances conflicting with the rural lifestyle in Cumberland County. She voiced skepticism about the benefits of unchecked expansion of AI facilities and stressed the necessity for a thorough evaluation of their societal value.
Dunn also expressed concerns about potential government interventions that could override municipal regulations, drawing parallels with past experiences involving wind turbine setbacks. The stance of the Houston government on such matters remains uncertain, with CBC News seeking insights from Municipal Affairs Minister John A. MacDonald, who indicated the absence of a planning framework for data center applications at present.
As the proliferation of AI data centers continues across North America, public opposition towards them grows. Protests and legal battles have unfolded in Canada, while Alberta has embraced upcoming projects by companies like Meta. A recent Angus Reid poll revealed widespread opposition to large AI data centers near residential areas and a call for stringent government regulation despite potential delays in development.