The Municipality of Cumberland has approved a measure to halt the development of data centers supporting artificial intelligence. A bylaw proposing a six-month moratorium on data center development permits received unanimous approval during the council’s first reading. Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity consumption in the community and the environment.
Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling emphasized the need for an informed decision and compared the situation in Nova Scotia to Alberta, stressing the interconnectedness of communities in Nova Scotia. The Mayor, Rod Gilroy, highlighted the council’s proactive approach to drafting regulations while implementing the moratorium.
The moratorium initiative was triggered by community concerns following the purchase of land in Malagash by a company named 3Sha Infotech Inc. Although attempts to reach the company for information on its plans were unsuccessful, the Cumberland Chief Administrative Officer, Greg Herrett, emphasized the proactive nature of the moratorium based on community concerns.
Resident Kate Dunn supported the decision to pause AI data center development, citing concerns such as noise disturbances that could disrupt rural life in Cumberland County. Dunn expressed the need for a careful evaluation of the value and impact of such facilities. She also raised concerns about potential government intervention overriding municipal regulations, drawing parallels with past incidents involving wind turbine setbacks.
As the debate around AI data centers intensifies across North America, there is growing opposition to their proliferation. Recent protests and legal battles have highlighted community concerns. A survey by Angus Reid revealed that a significant majority of respondents oppose the construction of large AI data centers near their residences and advocate for stringent government regulations on AI development.
The council plans to hold a public hearing in September following the first reading of the bylaw, with the aim of addressing community concerns before proceeding further with data center applications. The decision to implement a moratorium reflects the council’s commitment to thorough planning and consideration of the implications of AI data center expansion.