The Municipality of Cumberland has approved a six-month moratorium on data centers supporting artificial intelligence. In a council meeting, Coun. Jennifer Houghtaling highlighted concerns from residents regarding the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity consumption in the area. The decision to impose the moratorium was made to allow for informed deliberation on the matter.
Mayor Rod Gilroy stated that the council’s proactive approach makes them the first in Nova Scotia to take this direction while regulations are being developed. The issue was raised following concerns over a land purchase in Malagash by a company named 3Sha Infotech Inc. Despite efforts to reach the company for information on its plans, no response was received.
Cumberland’s Chief Administrative Officer, Greg Herrett, emphasized that the moratorium was a proactive step based on community concerns, as no inquiries or applications related to data centers had been received at that point. The council will not consider any applications for data centers post the first reading of the bylaw. A public hearing is scheduled for September before the second reading.
Local resident Kate Dunn supported the moratorium, expressing concerns about the impact of data centers on rural life, citing noise as a potential issue. She emphasized the need for further evaluation of the value and implications of AI data centers. Dunn also raised the possibility of higher government intervention similar to what has occurred with other industries like wind turbines.
As the number of AI data centers grows in North America, opposition towards them is also on the rise. Public opinion leans towards heavy government regulation of AI, with concerns raised about their impact on job creation. There have been protests and legal battles over data centers in Canada, while some provinces like Alberta are embracing new data center projects.
The decision to impose a moratorium on AI data centers in Cumberland reflects a growing trend of public concern and calls for stricter regulations in the development of such facilities.
