The Municipality of Cumberland has approved a temporary halt on data centers supporting artificial intelligence. The bylaw proposing a six-month moratorium on development permit applications for data centers received unanimous first reading approval from the council. Councilor Jennifer Houghtaling emphasized concerns from residents regarding the potential impact of water and electricity consumption by data centers on their lives and the environment. Houghtaling advocated for an informed decision-making process and highlighted the local interconnectedness in Nova Scotia.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy expressed proactive measures in enacting the moratorium to allow time for drafting regulations. The decision marks Cumberland as the first municipality in Nova Scotia to take this direction, similar to Oakville, Ont., which recently implemented a one-year moratorium on new data centers. The issue was spurred by community concerns following a land purchase in Malagash by a company, 3Sha Infotech Inc., which has not disclosed plans for the property.
Cumberland CAO Greg Herrett clarified that the moratorium is a pre-emptive step based on community worries, as there have been no formal inquiries or applications for data center developments. The council will proceed to a public hearing in September following the first reading, with the second reading of the bylaw to be scheduled afterward.
Local resident Kate Dunn supported the pause on AI data centers, citing concerns about noise and the disruption to rural life in Cumberland County. Dunn emphasized the need for careful consideration of the value and impact of AI expansion. She also raised concerns about potential government intervention in municipal regulations, drawing parallels to past incidents with wind turbine setbacks.
As the proliferation of AI data centers increases across North America, opposition towards them grows. Recent protests and legal battles have emerged in Canada, while Alberta is embracing projects by companies like Meta. A recent poll revealed significant public opposition to large AI data centers being built near residential areas and a call for government regulation to mitigate negative impacts on job creation and the environment.
The Department of Municipal Affairs clarified that no planning framework for data center applications is currently being developed, emphasizing the need to protect the province’s grid and interests before advancing with data center projects.
