Mississauga approves one-year pause on AI data centres

Mississauga city council has approved a oneyear moratorium on artificial intelligence data centres, putting a temporary stop to new projects while the city reviews how such facilities should be assessed. The decision was unanimous, although Mayor Carolyn Parrish did not vote because she only does so in the event of a tie. The move comes as the city considers a proposed hyperscale site in Mississauga’s northwest corner near Tenth Line West and Argentia Road, close to a residential area. Supporters of the pause said the city needs clearer rules before more large data centres are built. Concerns raised at the meeting included electricity use, water demand, noise, and the strain these facilities could place on the local power grid. City staff will now prepare the bylaw and develop a process for reviewing future applications.