Anthropic signs lease for Nova Scotia data center

Anthropic has signed a long-term lease for the first phase of a planned data center in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. The initial 95-megawatt phase is targeted for completion in late 2027. The developer, EverWind, plans a second stage in 2028 that could expand the campus to 420 megawatts, subject to regulatory and technical approvals. The project is expected to create approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent positions. Water usage is estimated at 100,000 liters per day during the first phase, potentially rising to 500,000 liters per day at full capacity.

The development has drawn criticism from Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender, who is calling on Premier Tim Houston to implement legislation to protect residents from rising power rates and water resource depletion. Chender expressed concern that large-scale data centers could increase electricity costs for families, noting that average power bills in the province have already risen by $400 annually since 2021. While EverWind has committed to funding electricity-system costs related to the project, opposition leaders argue that without formal regulations, citizens remain vulnerable to utility price shocks.