A Moratorium on AI Data Centres

Hyperscale AI Data Centres could be coming to Halton Hills, and we need to be ready.

I am calling for a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centres through an interim control by-law. This will allow the Town to review our by-laws and official plans to create a framework for data centres that will protect our community.

​

This is a policy/direction that has been adopted by municipalities like Mississauga, Oakville, and Centre Wellington, which all had data centres proposals made, leading to the community organizing and winning.

​

Hyperscale AI data centres have shown to use up to 100 MW of electricity; enough to power a city like Milton or Kingston. Accounts of those who live within a kilometre of these data centres have shown that water quality can be affected, and the noise outside can be up to 50 dB for surrounding residents. That is like having a dishwasher run, 24/7. 

​

“Data processing establishments” are defined under permitted use for the Premier Gateway Employment Area along Steeles Avenue, which was recently expanded into Hornby at the last council meeting. Some areas along this corridor may not have the proper water and energy infrastructure to hold these data centres, and would require investment from the Region to build it. Alongside the Premier Gateway lands lie tributaries to Sixteen Mile Creek and rural homes that could be affected. 

That is why I believe it is in our best interest to hit pause, give hard-working Town staff the time to create an appropriate regulatory framework that ensures our community is protected, and get ahead of a potential proposal instead of playing catch-up like other municipalities.

So far, I am the only candidate to make this proposal. If elected, I am ready to work with Town staff to get this done.