Canadians favor limits on large data centre development

A survey by the Angus Reid Institute reveals that 64% of Canadians want provincial governments to limit the development of large data centres. Opposition is strongest in Manitoba, Atlantic Canada, and Saskatchewan, where support for limits reaches 70% to 72%.

Key concerns among those favoring restrictions include high water usage (51%) and the potential for increased electricity bills for households and businesses (38%). Additionally, one-third of respondents question whether local communities will receive tangible benefits from these projects.

Despite public hesitation, significant investments are underway. Meta has begun work on a $13-billion data centre campus near Edmonton, while Bell has proposed expanding its AI infrastructure in Saskatchewan. The federal government has introduced the ‘Responsible Data Centre Development Principles’ to address community and Indigenous rights concerns.