The Municipality of Cumberland has approved a moratorium on data centers that support artificial intelligence. The council unanimously passed a bylaw that could initiate a six-month pause on development permit applications for such data centers.
During the council meeting, Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling expressed concerns from residents regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity consumption on their lives and the environment. Houghtaling emphasized the need for the moratorium to allow for informed decision-making, highlighting the community’s interconnectedness in Nova Scotia.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy stated that the council’s decision marks the first step towards regulating data centers in Nova Scotia, following in the footsteps of Oakville, Ont., which recently enforced a one-year moratorium on new data centers.
The issue arose in June when residents raised alarms over a land purchase in Malagash by Mississauga-based company 3Sha Infotech Inc. Although attempts to reach the company for clarification were unsuccessful, Cumberland’s Chief Administrative Officer Greg Herrett emphasized that the moratorium is a proactive measure based on community concerns, as there have been no formal inquiries or applications thus far.
Local resident Kate Dunn welcomed the temporary halt on AI data centers, citing concerns such as noise disturbances that could disrupt rural life in Cumberland County. Dunn called for a more thorough examination of the benefits and drawbacks of expanding AI facilities to ensure they align with the community’s values.
As debates surrounding AI data centers continue to escalate across North America, public opinion remains divided. A recent Angus Reid poll revealed that a majority of respondents oppose large AI data centers being built near residential areas and support stringent governmental regulations to address potential negative impacts on job creation and the environment.
With the looming possibility of government intervention, the decision to implement a moratorium reflects the municipality’s proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the implications of AI data centers on the local community and environment.