A motion headed to city council in the Sault on Monday calls for a freeze on approving AI data centres in the city until new planning and approvals rules are in place. The motion, moved by Coun. Angela Caputo and seconded by Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen, comes after opposition emerged to the centre to be built in the city by cybersecurity company Protexxa and Missanabie Cree Business LP. Councillors approved the centre last December, which is to be built in the city’s west end. A recent online petition raised concerns about possible negative impacts of the data centre. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker has said that the centre isn’t the sort of high-impact facility being built in other communities that consume significant power and water. Impact on water supply, power grid Caputo’s motion would prevent any more data centres from being approved until a review is completed that includes information such as the impact on power grids, water usage, noise, heat and impact on trees and wildlife. “Any other environmental impacts, impacts on the climate, potential impacts on human, animal, and ecological health, infrastructure needs, energy and affordability, and community health, safety and well-being,” the motion said. A report would be due by the second quarter of 2027. An interim report would be due next year on the cost of external consultants, a plan “to consult with Indigenous communities,” a public engagement strategy, information from PUC, among other items. “Further that staff be directed to prepare for council’s consideration at the next council meeting on Aug. 31 … an interim control bylaw prohibiting the development of data centres,” the motion said. Read the full text here.
