The Cumberland Municipality has approved a temporary halt on data centers specializing in artificial intelligence. The council’s initial reading of a bylaw proposing a six-month pause on development permit applications for such facilities received unanimous support. During the council meeting, Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling highlighted concerns from residents regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity usage in the area.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy expressed the need for proactive decision-making, emphasizing that the council’s move marks a pioneering step in Nova Scotia. This decision comes in light of the absence of regulations concerning data centers in the region.
The issue arose after community members raised objections to a land acquisition in Malagash by 3Sha Infotech Inc., a company based in Mississauga, Ontario. The Cumberland Chief Administrative Officer, Greg Herrett, clarified that the moratorium was a preemptive measure based on community apprehensions, as there have been no formal inquiries or applications regarding data center development at this point.
Local resident Kate Dunn commended the decision to pause AI data center projects, citing concerns such as noise disruption to the rural lifestyle in Cumberland County. Dunn called for a thorough evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks of data centers before further expansion, considering their potential impact on various aspects of society.
There has been a growing opposition to AI data centers across North America, with recent protests and legal disputes in Canada. A poll by Angus Reid found that a majority of respondents oppose the construction of large AI data centers near their residences and support stringent government regulations on AI technology to ensure responsible development.
The council plans to conduct a public hearing in September before the second reading of the bylaw, which would finalize the moratorium on data center applications in Cumberland.