Online petition started to oppose data centre development near Île-des-Chênes

A Manitoba resident has launched a petition to oppose a large data centre south of Winnipeg.

A resident living near a possible data centre project started a petition opposing the development.

Christie Little, living across the street from the plot of land, started an online petition – opposing a proposed data centre development north of Île-des-Chênes, Man.

“I have major concerns about this project moving forward because our town already has a major issue with power and it uses an extreme amount of power, from some of the research that I have done,” she said on Friday.

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Little’s first reaction to the possible project was “really, really sad.”

“My husband and I moved here 20 years ago. We have three kids; we planned on staying here for our entire lives, and if there is a data centre that is going to be built across from us – we have no intention of staying.”

Other reasons include aspects from the town’s residents, Little said.

“There’s a lot of people (who) live around here. We’re concerned about the constant noise that comes from AI data campuses – it’s a 24-7 humming sound that comes from them.

“The light pollution that’s going to come from it – not to mention, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre is right here, too, and the concern about how that’s going to affect the wildlife around here.”

Little said she and others are planning to set up a physical location for more signatures.

“I’ll do as much as I can to fight it and as much as I can to get the community together to help me.”

Consensus Core Technologies Inc., a Vancouver-based company specializing in data centres, secured purchase agreements for about 350 acres in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot. Jet.AI, a partner in the joint venture and a U.S.-based data centre company, made the announcement in early December.

In an email, Consensus Core Technologies said they are looking forward to “meaningful consultation and engagement with our community and all stakeholders,” as the project unfolds.

“The Convergence Compute facility is a generational opportunity to unlock growth in Manitoba, diversify the economy, strengthen Canadian data sovereignty in alignment with the Federal AI Strategy and generate very significant amounts of new jobs and tax revenue for the municipality,” the email read.

“We also understand the importance of making a positive impact on the community. This project strengthens Manitoba’s grid by generating and storing its own power on-site, with the ability to supply power to the grid at peak times.

“The facility will run on a modern closed-loop cooling system that does not rely on refilling with fresh water.”

CTV News reached out to Jet.AI for comment and is waiting for a response.

As of Saturday afternoon, more than 3,000 people had signed the petition.

With files from CTV News’ William Reimer and Milan Lukes