As towns across Canada and the United States face an influx of proposed AI data centres, councillors in the Greater Toronto Area are working to advocate for a more thorough approach amid environmental worries.
During a Mississauga city council meeting on Wednesday, Coun. Martin Reid plans to introduce a motion for an interim control bylaw that would halt the development of “major digital infrastructure facilities” for up to one year. This pause would allow City staff to perform a planning study and thoroughly review existing bylaws and policies.
City News caught up with Reid on Monday at the location he claims will be home to the first large hyperscale data centre in the area.
This site is positioned on Tenth Line, west of Winston Churchill Boulevard and Highway 401, near Lisgar GO station. It’s next door to a house, a church, green space, and an existing warehouse. However, just a short distance away lies a large shopping centre along with current and proposed residential subdivisions.
While talking with residents, Reid mentioned he’s heard concerns about cities in the U. S. experiencing high water and electricity consumption due to such facilities. With no significant examples in the GTA yet, he said it raises many uncertainties.
“There are still so many questions that need to be answered, and until we have a fulsome understanding of it this is not something that I feel that I can responsibly support,” Reid stated.
“We’re not sure what the tenant is going to be using it for, so there are worst-case scenarios that we read; there are totally safe examples that we read; and the reality is that we’re somewhere in the middle with no clear answers.
“Let’s do our homework first before we say yes.”
Lacking detailed information about how these developments may impact local communities and infrastructure, Reid expressed his desire for a pause-something he noted has received some backing from fellow council members.
“I’m not interpreting this as saying this is similar to Wichita or Utah where they’re draining all our water resources or creating constant noise,” he added.
“I’m concerned about those extreme cases but haven’t got any assurance it’s not going to be like that. And until I am certain it’s not going to be like that, you won’t get my support.”
City News reached out to Prologis, who owns the site, on Monday afternoon regarding Reid’s notice of motion and related concerns but didn’t receive any response by publication time. This story will be updated if they reply.
The Hamilton city council recently faced strong opposition against a proposed data centre project; despite earlier discussions about considering a moratorium on such projects, it was ultimately rejected due to fears over potential legal issues and lost investments.
This week when Toronto’s council convenes two councillors will present motions concerning AI data centres within their wards. Coun. Vincent Crisanti aims to formally request a meeting with an applicant for construction at Lowes Place near Islington Avenue and Highway 401 regarding possible additional mitigation strategies.
Coun. Parthi Kandavel plans to propose suspending work on Stack Infrastructure’s large-scale data centre planned at Birchmount Road and Danforth Avenue while also seeking more information on how similar applications should be handled moving forward.
“Concerns include impacts on water usage, pressure strains on our energy grid, as well as noise levels which must be addressed before any final approvals,” he shared with City News while noting this facility sits within an established residential neighborhood.
“Since this use of land is permitted already we’re asking for alignment between this application process before they move ahead towards building permits alongside ongoing research conducted by our senior staff regarding future frameworks around data centres.”
Kandavel acknowledged the necessity of having AI data centres operate in Canada as part of broader goals related to “data sovereignty,” but emphasized they want “thoughtful consideration.”
A spokesperson from Stack informed City News via statement that they’ve been collaborating with Toronto since 2022.
“We have been active within community operations since 2023; our expansion project has undergone extensive technical evaluations addressing noise management while minimizing water use through closed-loop cooling systems,” their statement explained.
“In addition , Stack takes responsibility for funding necessary upgrades in electrical distribution designed specifically protect rate payers. We commit ourselves fully towards fulfilling all requirements ensuring responsible long-term partnership within local communities.”
City News asked Mayor Olivia Chow about worries involving both projects. She stated she awaits results from comprehensive reports prepared by city officials examining artificial intelligence utilization alongside upcoming AI data centers.
“If improved services come into play that’s one matter ; however if displacement occurs along disruption then entirely different challenges arise necessitating ethical guidelines which hold paramount significance” she remarked.
Both Reid & Kandavel expressed hopes Ontario government assumes leadership role responding effectively tackling issues surrounding these A. I driven datacenters since municipalities province wide contend inquiries arising daily.
A representative from Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli commented stating every investment must yield lasting prosperity benefitting locals involved.” “No digital infrastructure initiative shall advance unless contributions made enhance economies whilst companies adhere fully covering costs associated energy provisions,” spokesperson Gian Piero Colangelo articulated.
In line efforts aimed protecting families rate payers legislation passed establishing explicit barriers preventing digital ventures connecting grids falling short meeting expectations outlined.”
The statement offered no details clarifying ‘clear guardrails’ thresholds required actions undertaken government level.”
How-Sen Chong climate campaigner affiliated Toronto Environmental Alliance expressed desire seeing temporary halt placed upon A. I centered datacenters citing instances relying heavily fossil fuel-based power generation leading excessive demands resources including H20.’ “Many planning protocols presently lack capabilities adequately processing types proposals resulting insufficient oversight potentially permitting environmentally damaging initiatives emerge unchecked,” Chong warned highlighting examples now proposed expected consume approximately fifty megawatts electricity equivalent total needs East York buildings combined! “It’s critical ensure substantial ecological ramifications understood prior executions take place because reside midst vibrant neighborhoods sharing limited shared assets!”
