Green Party Pushes for Ontario AI Data Center Moratorium

The Green Party of Ontario is calling on the provincial government to implement a moratorium on all new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. According to CBC Toronto, Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner argues that these facilities are being approved across the province without necessary safeguards or community consultation.

The push for a pause centers on the physical toll of digital infrastructure. Ilham Abdulkadir of Wellington Water Waters told CBC Toronto that these centers consume significant energy, land, and water. Schreiner further questioned who benefits from the construction, suggesting corporations are utilizing water intended for local communities.

Local governments are currently split on how to handle the influx of projects. CBC Toronto reports that Mississauga councillors decided to pause AI data center approvals for one year. While residents in Toronto have made similar requests, councillors in Hamilton and Burlington voted against temporary bans last month. In other areas, public opposition led a developer to withdraw plans for a two-megawatt AI data center in Armour Township in June, and a petition has emerged in Sault Ste. Marie following a project approval in December.

The provincial government has pushed back against the call for a moratorium. Evan Robinson, senior issues manager and press secretary for Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, told CBC Toronto that no digital infrastructure project proceeds unless it benefits the local economy and the company agrees to pay full energy costs. Robinson noted that existing legislation allows the province to block projects from the power grid if companies fail to meet expectations, adding that the government is finalizing a digital infrastructure framework to protect ratepayers and support job creation.