Vancouver AI Protest Becomes an Election Issue
Vancouver AI data centres face growing protest as election debate heats up See candidate positions on rezoning, energy and water before Oct. 17
Hundreds of people marched in Vancouver on Saturday to protest proposed AI data centres, with organizers saying the issue has become part of the municipal election campaign.
The demonstration moved from Mount Pleasant to downtown Vancouver. Organizers invited city council candidates to take part and urged voters to compare their positions on AI data centres before the Oct. 17 election.
City council voted in July to send a rezoning proposal for a Mount Pleasant AI data centre back to staff for more public consultation, which is expected to begin after the election. Several candidates said they support a pause or moratorium, citing concerns about energy use, water supply and consultation. Protesters said they want more say over how the city handles AIrelated development.