Burlington, Ont., joined other municipalities like Hamilton this week in discussing how to best manage data centres.
While city staff are examining a developer’s request to construct a two-storey data centre, councillors decided against looking into a one-year pause on such facilities.
The councillors and the mayor instructed staff to evaluate the regulations surrounding data centres and also urged federal and provincial governments to collaborate with local authorities in creating guidelines for facilities that securely store, process, and distribute digital information.
Coun. Lisa Kearns (Ward 2), who proposed the moratorium motion at a council meeting on July 21, told CBC Hamilton it was “unfortunate it did not succeed.” She argued that halting data centre construction would give the city time to ensure it has appropriate rules for this rapidly expanding industry.
WATCH | How data centres work:
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sped up the building of data centres, leading to protests across Canada over concerns like water and energy consumption required for these sites.
Experts have informed CBC Hamilton that data centres are regulated similar to other industrial projects without specific rules. Recognizing this gap, some local leaders are trying to establish regulations specifically for data centres.
A comparable attempt by Kearns failed in nearby Hamilton on July 15 when their city council voted 10-6 against pausing data centre development for a year while they assess and create new guidelines. Councillors who opposed the moratorium expressed concerns about deterring investment and noted private legal advice suggesting that the bylaw might be outside their jurisdiction.
Coun. Rory Nissan (Ward 3), who voted against Kearns’ moratorium motion, shared a news release Wednesday stating that the pause would have been “costly.”
“Common sense has prevailed over a campaign of fear,” Nisan – who is running for mayor – said. “We have ensured residents are protected, with clear rules for data centres in Burlington.”
He further stated that he believes “Any data centre proposal in Burlington must: not cause community harm; impose no costs on taxpayers; not strain local resources; and provide tangible value for residents.”
Kearns emphasized that responsible growth “means asking the right questions before major land-use decisions are made.”
In her statement following the July 21 vote, she mentioned proposals should be “supported by robust environmental review, and include a clear understanding of impacts on energy, infrastructure, noise, tax base, and neighbouring communities.”
WATCH | Hamilton councillor explains her decision on data centres:
Hamilton city councillor defends decision on data centres
Hamilton city council voted down a bylaw intended to temporarily halt the development of data centres. Coun. Tammy Hwang stated while she understands citizen concerns regarding issues such as water usage and noise levels being outside their jurisdiction.
Kearns is also competing for mayor this year against incumbent Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who was the only other council member supporting her moratorium motion.
Meed Ward initiated the resolution aimed at both federal and provincial governments.
“We know that demand for data centres is growing across Ontario, and I believe we need standard regulations across the country rather than piecemeal responses,” said the mayor on Instagram July 15.
Meed Ward chairs Ontario’s Big City Mayors Caucus – one of several municipal organizations Burlington City Council shared their resolution with.
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Hundreds of people gathered outside Hamilton’s city hall in June to express their opinions about a potential AI data centre in Hamilton. (Justin Chandler/CBC)
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Data Centres Will Be an Election Focus: Kearns
Kearns grew up in Hamilton and was among many individuals voicing concerns regarding data centre development during a June Committee of Adjustment meeting. Hundreds attended that day to express their worries about these developments. “People were genuinely seeking to have their voice heard by their elected officials in ways we haven’t seen for quite some time,” Kearns remarked, adding citizens in Burlington have shown similar engagement concerning local politics around data centres. She told CBC Hamilton she believes these issues will become a “primary election issue.” “The electorate has eyes on this,” she noted. “They aren’t pleased with how it’s being introduced into their communities-something will have to change.”A Two-Storey Data Centre Proposed in Burlington
The session where they discussed the moratorium lasted over nine hours-the longest so far this term-Kearns shared. Seventeen individuals signed up to speak regarding the motion including Mikayla Woodward from Toronto-based Gliese. AI Incorporated.. This company is behind plans for constructing a new facility at 3110 South Service Rd., near QEW and Guelph Line. “We hear your concerns,” Woodward responded after several residents voiced apprehensions about potential effects from these developments. “We’re open to being as transparent as possible while collaborating with local government entities,” she addressed councillors directly.” If approved by officials at this gathering Woodward indicated it would mark Gliese’s inaugural project.” She explained although it wouldn’t be large enough for training AI models” , “it would serve as multi-functional premises suitable for individuals working alongside AI.”</s></s> A request from CBC Hamilton requesting an interview was made but Woodward’s team couldn’t arrange one or respond before publishing.Source link
