# Data centre and energy infrastructure development in Nova_S_ > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/data-centre-and-energy-infrastructure-development-in-nova-s > Updated: 2026-10-19T19:51:18.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 4. Nova Scotia’s approach to data centre development has evolved from cautious skepticism to large-scale investment. Initially, Premier Tim Houston suggested it was premature to discuss data centres before completing major energy projects, but he later softened this stance, noting such developments could drive demand for energy infrastructure. During this period, the province also faced a record $1.4 billion deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Following these policy shifts, EverWind announced a plan to invest more than $10 billion in the province. This includes $8 billion for a data centre campus at the Point Tupper industrial site and $2 billion for onshore wind power projects. The data centre project is expected to begin with a 95-megawatt phase in late 2027, followed by a larger expansion in 2028. The investment is projected to create approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent positions. EverWind has also signed the Government of Canada’s ‘Responsible Data Centre Development Principles’. In October 2026, AI company Anthropic signed a lease agreement for its first Canadian data centre, to be located at the EverWind Fuels campus in Point Tupper. The facility is intended to power the company’s Claude models. As part of the commitment to responsible development, EverWind has pledged to utilize a closed-loop cooling system and fully fund electricity system network upgrade costs. The broader project aims to expand to a total compute capacity of 420 MW by 2028. However, the project has drawn political scrutiny. Nova Scotia opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Claudia Chender and Liberal MLA Becky Druhan, have called for an emergency legislative debate. Critics argue the government is relying on non-binding federal guidelines rather than formal provincial laws to manage impacts on water usage, electricity rates, and local communities. Public concern has also manifested in a Change.org petition that has gathered over 12,000 signatures. ## Claims - Anthropic has signed a 20-year lease for a $10-billion, 18,600-square metre data centre facility in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - NDP Leader Claudia Chender has called for an emergency legislative debate regarding the proposed data centre. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The opposition argues that the project requires formal legislative regulation rather than non-binding guidelines. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A Change.org petition to stop the data centre development has gathered over 12,000 signatures. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The project is described as the largest private investment in the history of Nova Scotia. (single source) - Premier Tim Houston stated that any AI data centre must meet or exceed federal standards for responsible development. (single source) - The data centre will be built in two stages, with the first phase expected by the end of 2027 and the second in 2028. (single source) - EverWind and Anthropic have stated they will fund any necessary upgrades to the provincial electricity system. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Nova Scotia opposition demands debate over $10B AI data centre Nova Scotia opposition leaders are demanding an emergency legislative debate over a proposed $10-billion AI data centre in Cape Breton, citing concerns over regulation and public consultation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nova-scotia-opposition-demands-debate-over-10b-ai-data-centre ### 2026-10-19: Anthropic signs lease for first Canadian data centre in Nova Scotia Anthropic has signed a lease for its first Canadian data centre in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, as part of a $10-billion project by EverWind Fuels to support AI infrastructure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthropic-signs-lease-for-first-canadian-data-centre-in-nova-scotia ### 2026-10-15: EverWind to invest $10B in Nova Scotia data centre and wind power EverWind plans to invest over $10 billion in Nova Scotia to develop a data centre campus at Point Tupper and expand its onshore wind power portfolio. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/everwind-to-invest-10b-in-nova-scotia-data-centre-and-wind-power ### 2026-09-23: Nova Scotia shifts stance on data centres amid record $1.4B deficit Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is now open to data centre developments to boost energy demand, even as the province reports a record $1.4 billion deficit and $1.9 billion in unbudgeted spending. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nova-scotia-premier-tim-houston-shifts-stance-on-data-centres --- Cite as: Data centre and energy infrastructure development in Nova_S_. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/data-centre-and-energy-infrastructure-development-in-nova-s