A company based in Fredericton wants to build a $2.7 billion data centre in Miramichi. The project promises to create 600 permanent jobs and stabilize electricity rates for the province.

The proposal comes from FTL, which stands for Faster Than Light. The company recently presented its plans to Miramichi city council, as reported by CBC News.

What the Project Entails

FTL plans to roll out the project in phases. The first phase involves a 100 megawatt data centre scheduled to open by the end of 2027. This initial phase brings 150 permanent jobs to the area.

The company envisions a full 375 megawatt campus operating by 2030. This expansion creates 2,000 temporary construction jobs and increases the permanent workforce to 600. These roles include technicians, security personnel, and management.

Addressing Community Concerns

You have likely followed the intense debates surrounding proposed data centres near Saint John, specifically the VoltaGrid and Beacon AI projects in Lorneville. Residents across New Brunswick consistently raise concerns about energy consumption, water usage, and noise.

FTL CEO Josh Vautour acknowledges these concerns but says his company takes a different approach. He describes the Miramichi facility as a colocation data centre. Instead of serving a single massive tech giant like Meta, FTL rents space to various tenants, including government, banking, and defence organizations.

Vautour also highlights the ownership structure of the company. FTL operates as a durably sovereign company. This means Canadians hold voting control and make up more than half of the board of directors. Furthermore, Indigenous partners hold a 25 percent ownership stake in the project, and the company commits to substantial First Nation employment.

Environmental Impact and Next Steps

The company is looking for a 100 acre site already zoned for heavy industry with existing infrastructure. This strategy limits the impact on wetlands and local habitats.

To address noise complaints common with data centres, Vautour says the facility will be inaudible beyond 150 metres. The initial 100 megawatt centre uses about two million litres of water over five years. Vautour also claims the fully built project will significantly contribute to rate stabilization for N.B. Power.

Miramichi city council has not made any zoning changes yet. FTL plans to announce public engagement sessions in the coming weeks to answer questions and address resident concerns directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a colocation data centre?

A colocation data centre is a large facility that rents space, power, and cooling to multiple different organizations, rather than being used by just one single company.

How many jobs will the Miramichi data centre create?

The project creates 150 permanent jobs in its first phase by 2027. The fully completed campus creates 600 permanent jobs and 2,000 temporary construction jobs by 2030.

Will the data centre increase my power bill?

The company states that the completed project will actually help stabilize electricity rates for N.B. Power customers.

Who owns the proposed data centre?

FTL owns the project. The company maintains a Canadian majority board of directors, and Indigenous partners hold a 25 percent ownership stake.