Ontario municipalities weigh rules for AI data centres

Ontario municipalities are debating how to manage a new wave of artificial intelligence data centres, which can place heavy demands on electricity and raise local concerns about noise and planning. Several cities and towns have recently considered temporary moratoriums while staff study possible rules. Hamilton voted against a oneyear freeze after committee approval, but still has a planning study underway. Oakville approved a moratorium, Sault Ste. Marie is preparing to vote on one, and Milton and Burlington both rejected freeze proposals while asking staff to study the issue. Other municipalities are taking a different approach. Greater Napanee changed its bylaws to allow data centres on industrial land, while Toronto, Ottawa and Waterloo Region have directed staff to review policies and report back on development impacts. The article also notes that developer Hive Digital Technologies has outlined plans for a large AI facility in the Greater Toronto Area.