A meeting of a Hamilton city committee faced disruption on Thursday as protesters expressed their worries about a proposed AI data centre on the city’s industrial waterfront.
The incident took place during the committee of adjustment session, which is reviewing an application from Slate Asset Management, based in Toronto, concerning part of its roughly 800-acre property located on the former Stelco lands.
This request pertains to a small section of the site and might set the stage for a potential data centre development.
Protesters assembled outside city hall ahead of the committee meeting, brandishing signs against the data centre and chanting loudly enough to be heard within the chambers. The public also filled much of the gallery inside.
WATCH MORE: Toronto company aims to build AI data centre along Hamilton’s waterfront
Slate has shared its plans for what it calls the Steelport Project, described as an “AI, advanced manufacturing and clean infrastructure district” situated on Hamilton’s harbourfront.
Environmental advocates and local residents have voiced concerns regarding this proposal, especially about how large-scale data centres may affect electricity consumption and water usage in the area.
Ian Borsuk, executive director of Environment Hamilton, mentioned earlier to CHCH News that while there has been talk of starting with a smaller data centre, there’s interest in eventually expanding it further.
Councillor Nrinder Nann from Ward 3 has also pointed out that there are still unanswered questions about what future projects might look like at this location and their possible environmental effects.
This story is still developing. You can catch Emily Tayler’s complete report on CHCH News’ Evening News at 6 p. m. and 11 p. m.
: CPP Investments to provide $225 million in funding for Ontario data centre
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