People are concerned about AI data centres being built in Ontario: poll

A new poll finds that most Ontario residents are concerned about new AI data centres proposed for their communities.

With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, data centres, which power cloud computing and AI, have been in the news recently.

Both Mississauga and Hamilton have recent proposals for data centres, and residents have spoken out against the plans. People are concerned about the possible strain on city utilities such as water and hydro and the impacts data centres may have on the environment.

At the same time, there is a growing need for the centres.

Recently, York University published a report on the centres, noting that they are “critical infrastructure” to support the world’s growing digitization.

“Everything from streaming video and online banking to scientific research and generative AI depends on their (data centres) ability to store, process and move enormous volumes of data,” the report notes.

The report delves into the amount of electricity the centres require, the small number of long‑term jobs the centres create, along with concerns about emissions and questions of data sovereignty.

In Hamilton, a proposal from Slate Asset Management to develop about three square kilometres of the harbourfront as a “digital and industrial” hub called Steelport was denied by a city committee after hundreds of Hamiltonians spoke out against it.

This week, Mississauga residents can learn more about a proposal for a vacant land on Tenth Line West in the Meadowvale Business Park, just south of Highway 401. Prologis, a company that operates multiple industrial properties and warehouses in 20 countries, is proposing a two-storey data centre on the site.

Coun. Martin Reid is hosting a community meeting on the proposal. Reid emphasized that the proposal is still in its early stages. He said that he supports staff in asking “tough questions and thoroughly examining every concern raised by residents—from environmental impacts to traffic, noise, water usage and job creation.”

“That is why I have brought together all stakeholders for a public town hall at Erin Meadows Community Centre. Residents deserve answers, and your questions will help inform the staff report that comes back to Council following Prologis’ resubmission,” he said in an email to INsauga.com.

Nevertheless, concerned residents have launched a petition opposing the data centre. The petition raises concerns about impacts to municipal water, hydro and noise coming from the centre.

It appears many people are worried about new AI data centres.

INsauga.com asked readers: Are you concerned about AI data centres being built in your community?

As of June 23, just over 75 per cent of respondents, 3,353 people, said yes. 

Another 1,111, just under 25 per cent of respondents, said no.

The community meeting on the Mississauga proposal is on Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. at the Erin Meadows Community Centre. For more information on the meeting and to register to attend, see Reid’s website here.

Poll disclaimer: This poll reflects the views of participating readers and is not a scientific sample. Participation was voluntary and limited to the publication’s audience.

With files from the Canadian Press

Lead photo: Brett Sayles