Overview on Data Centres’ Effects in Waterloo Region

Waterloo regional staff will give an overview of how data centres are affecting the local economy, infrastructure, and environment.

Regional Coun. Colleen James proposed a motion asking for staff to create an information report for council by next year, aiming to help elected officials “learn as much as possible” about the development of data centres.

“The expansions of AI and data centres aren’t going away, but I also recognize that there’s a lot that needs to be learned,” she said.

“There’s plenty of evidence-based [information] out there, yes. But as decision makers we need to see this.”

James’s motion requested staff to evaluate the economic opportunities presented by data centres in the region and how they affect local energy needs, water usage, and wastewater services.

The motion also asked staff to investigate environmental impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, and best operational practices.

“It’s not just about money. It’s about community. Community safeguards, frameworks, what’s in place,” she said.

James’s motion passed unanimously, including an amendment for information on how data centres affect noise levels, air quality, and groundwater; it also included a request for Indigenous perspectives.

Coun. Pam Wolf, who seconded the motion, stated it’s not about opposing technology or economic growth but ensuring there are protections in place before approving future facilities.

Staff can provide an overview to council

Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen expressed concerns over staffing resources needed for drafting a report and noted that proposals for what data centres will require are quite broad.

CAO Darshpreet Bhatti mentioned that staff are already “working on a plan that would capture many of the requests being made.”

Commissioner of planning and development Rod Regier advised council to “temper expectations” regarding the scope of the report staff could deliver in early 2027.

“We can provide an overview of the current state of knowledge around the issues that are being discussed,” Regier said.

“I think we can flag the main items that are concerning particularly to the community and local and regional government. We would do it entirely in-house with support from partner organizations.”

Ontario Green Party calls for moratorium

The effects of data centres on communities have become a political topic as municipalities across Ontario consider how to manage AI data centres.

Last week , the Ontario Green Party urgedthe provincialgovernmentto halt allnewartificialintelligence datacentresuntilmoreisunderstoodabouttheirimpacton, theenvironment , energygrid , people ‘s healthandjobs.Green Partyof Ontario Leader Mike Schreineriscallingontheprovinceto pauseapprovalsfornew AI datacentres.(Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner , also M PPfor Guelph , saidnewdatacentresarebeingapprovedacrosstheprovince “withoutcommunityconsultationorsafeguardstokeeppeopleandtheenvironment safe.”

“Thereareseriousconcernsaboutwhoactuallybenefitsfromtheconstructionofthese AIdatacentres ,”hesaid , adding he believescorporationsarebenefitingfromlocalwatermeantforcommunities.

In Toronto, residentshavecalledoncounciltopause developmentsforayear. Councillorsinboth Hamiltonand Burlingtonvotedagainsttemporarilybanningcentreslastmonth. Councillorsin Essex Countyalsodiscussedtheissuelastweek.

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