The Government of New Brunswick is negotiating to bring a second large scale data centre to Saint John. This news comes as Lorneville residents continue their fight against a previously announced data centre project in a nearby industrial park.

According to a recent report from CBC News, Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners submitted a proposal to Opportunities New Brunswick in April. The company wants to build a large scale data centre campus at the Saint John Industrial Park.

The New Proposal

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners describes itself as a fully Canadian owned company. In its pitch to the province, the company requested 50 megawatts of uninterrupted power. The company promises economic growth, job creation, and new transatlantic connectivity opportunities.

Opportunities New Brunswick Minister Luke Randall confirmed ongoing discussions with the company.

Community Concerns Grow

If you live in the west side rural community of Lorneville, you understand the local frustration. Residents are already opposing a data centre project led by VoltaGrid and Beacon A.I. Centers. That project is currently undergoing an environmental review.

Learning about a second proposal alarmed the community. Residents worry about the combined environmental impacts, noise pollution, and strain on the local water supply.

Lorneville resident Chris Watson argues the government must look at the bigger picture.

“If there are other large data centre campuses proposed in or near the Lorneville area, the government has to assess the cumulative effects of all these projects together and not treat each one as though nothing else is happening around it,” Watson told CBC News. “You can’t assess each project against the existing background and ignore other major projects that might also be operating.”

Lauren Smith, another Lorneville resident, pointed out the lack of rules for this type of development.

“This is new technology that we’re dealing with and governance has not been in step with this new tech,” Smith said. “There’s no regulatory framework for this type of technology.”

Smith also questioned the massive water requirements of data centres.

“There are Canadians who do not have the opportunity to drink clean drinking water. Why are we giving that to a computer?” she asked.

City Awaits Official Applications

While the province talks with developers, the City of Saint John remains on standby. Mayor Donna Reardon stated the city often remains unaware of industrial land purchases until a company applies for a permit. As of now, Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners has not filed any permit applications.

Watson believes the provincial government is prioritizing tax revenue over local well being.

“Here we have a desperate provincial government, that basically wants to grow its tax base, and we feel like they’re sacrificing our community to do that,” Watson said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is proposing the new data centre in Saint John?

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners submitted a proposal to Opportunities New Brunswick to build a large scale data centre campus.

Where will the new data centre be located?

The proposal targets the Saint John Industrial Park. The city operates three main industrial locations, including the Spruce Lake Industrial Park near Lorneville.

Why are Lorneville residents upset?

Residents worry about the cumulative environmental impacts, noise, and heavy water usage of multiple data centres operating near their community.

Has the city approved the new project?

No. Mayor Donna Reardon confirmed the company has not yet applied for any city permits.