The Municipality of Cumberland has decided to implement a temporary ban on data centers that support artificial intelligence. During a council meeting, a bylaw proposing a six-month moratorium on development permits for data centers was unanimously approved in the first reading.
Councilor Jennifer Houghtaling highlighted concerns from residents about the potential impact of data centers on water and electricity usage, both in their daily lives and on the environment. She emphasized the importance of taking the time to gather information before making a decision, drawing a comparison between Nova Scotia and Alberta.
Mayor Rod Gilroy expressed the council’s proactive approach in enacting the moratorium, making it the first in Nova Scotia to take this step pending the development of regulations. The decision was prompted by community concerns, particularly following the purchase of farmland in Malagash by a company called 3Sha Infotech Inc.
Residents like Kate Dunn supported the pause on AI data centers, citing issues such as noise disturbances and the potential disruption to rural life in Cumberland County. Dunn emphasized the need for careful consideration of the value and impact of AI expansion.
The council is set to proceed with a public hearing in September after which the bylaw’s second reading will be scheduled. The move towards regulating data centers aligns with a growing opposition to their rapid proliferation across North America. Public sentiment, as reflected in a recent poll, indicates a majority favor heavy government regulation of AI technologies.