The Municipality of Cumberland is progressing with a temporary ban on data centers supporting artificial intelligence. During a council meeting, a bylaw initiating a six-month halt on development permit applications for such data centers received unanimous approval for its first reading.
Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling highlighted concerns from residents regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity consumption on their lives and the environment. She advocated for an extended moratorium to allow for a well-informed decision-making process, emphasizing the interconnectedness within Nova Scotia compared to other regions.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy expressed proactive measures during an interview following the council meeting, emphasizing the need to carefully assess the situation and make informed decisions before drafting regulations. The issue arose in June following community apprehensions about a land purchase in Malagash by a company from Mississauga, Ont.
Cumberland’s Chief Administrative Officer, Greg Herrett, affirmed the proactive nature of the moratorium based on community concerns and the absence of any current inquiries or applications related to data centers. No applications will be accepted by staff post the first reading, with plans for a second reading scheduled after a public hearing in September.
Local resident Kate Dunn supported the pause on AI data center developments, citing concerns about noise and the potential disruption to rural life. She stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of the value and implications of expanding data centers in the region.
As the proliferation of AI data centers increases across North America, opposition towards them grows. Public sentiment, as per an Angus Reid poll in June, indicates significant resistance to large AI data center projects near residential areas and a desire for stringent government regulations.
Amidst protests and legal battles over data centers in Canada, Alberta has shown openness to projects like Meta’s, while municipalities like Oakville and now Cumberland are taking a more cautious approach. The future development of data centers in the region remains a topic of ongoing debate and scrutiny.
