The request to separate land for a proposed AI data centre has been turned down at Hamilton City Hall.
People in the council chambers celebrated the decision. If it had passed, it would have paved the way for an AI project on former Stelco property – something that the many people who gathered in front of city hall today to protest were strongly against.
Developer Slate Asset Management aimed to divide the land it owns on Wilcox Street to advance the development of this facility.
The company claims that the facility would occupy a part of the 800-acre old Stelco site, while the rest is proposed as an “advanced manufacturing” and “clean energy infrastructure” area named “Steelport.”
More than 1,600 individuals reached out to the committee before the meeting, with dozens more speaking out in person – nearly all opposing the project.
Demonstrators gathered outside city hall prior to the committee meeting, holding signs against data centres and chanting loudly enough to be heard within the chambers. The public filled much of the gallery inside as well.
Environmental advocates and local residents have voiced concerns about this proposal, especially regarding how future large-scale data centres might impact electricity demand and water usage.
“We want to say no to AI data centres. They’re going to affect our energy, they’re going to affect our waters. We’re already dealing with water issues down at the bayfront,” said a protester.
“It’s going to waste so much of our resources, our energy, and provide nothing back to this community,” said another protester.
WATCH MORE: Toronto company eyes building AI data centre on Hamilton’s shores
Environment Hamilton executive director Ian Borsuk previously mentioned that a smaller initial data centre has been talked about, but there is interest in eventually expanding it further.
Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann has also expressed that there are still questions about what future projects might look like on this site and their potential environmental effects.
Slate did not provide a spokesperson for an interview today. However, in a statement, they noted that they would use the factory’s existing industrial power grid and water system so any new developments at Steelport will minimally impact public infrastructure. Any water required for onsite uses would be just a small fraction of what Stelco used during its peak operations; importantly, no municipal water will be utilized for onsite systems.”
But many neighbors still have worries.
“I’m not opposed to industry or development, but do we need that kind of development again? I think what you’re hearing from the community is that we don’t. We need something instead that isn’t this sort of Faustian bargain where yes, you get a few jobs, but you get worse water quality, worse air quality; you create heat islands in a city; you create noise pollution,” said Hamilton resident Kevin Mac Kay.
The company still has options ahead if they want to build an AI data centre since Thursday’s vote only considered their severance request.
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