If you live in Saint John, you hear a lot about new data centres coming to the city. Now, Green Party deputy leader Megan Mitton is demanding the provincial government reveal exactly how many artificial intelligence data centres are in the works and which communities they target.

Mitton made this demand after Opportunities New Brunswick confirmed discussions about a second large scale data centre planned for Saint John. A recent report from CBC News shows Mitton expects the government to honor its promise to be the most transparent government New Brunswick has ever seen.

The Push for Transparency in Saint John

Residents of Lorneville recently uncovered plans for a second data centre through a right to information request. The documents revealed emails between Opportunities New Brunswick Minister Luke Randall and Cross River Infrastructure Partners. This company operates in the United States and Canada.

Lorneville residents already oppose another data centre project under environmental review for the expanded Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Beacon AI Centers and VoltaGrid are developing that initial project.

Mitton believes the government ignores community concerns. “There’s a lot of information and data there and the whole government really is not considering what communities want and what protections people need,” Mitton said.

Weak Policy Framework

The provincial government recently closed the window for public input on a proposed policy framework for data centre development. This proposed framework is a brief three page document containing five broad sections. It asks projects to prove they avoid adverse impacts on groundwater and infrastructure while delivering economic value.

Mitton calls the proposed framework weak and unenforceable. She insists the province needs strong guidelines backed by actual legislation.

“In addition to having strong guidelines and protection, they need to be enforceable through legislation and then the accompanying enforcement mechanisms that would actually make it happen,” she said.

She points out that the government needs to address water usage directly. Officials must consider how these projects impact the entire watershed rather than looking at them in isolation.

Calls for a Moratorium

Mitton criticizes the province for seeking public consultation only after facing backlash over projects already in motion. She says the government should regulate first and approve developments later.

She wants the province to place a moratorium on hyperscale projects. This pause must last until the government passes legislation that prevents electricity prices from spiking and protects the surrounding environment.

The Department of Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour is currently reviewing public feedback. A detailed update is expected in November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Green Party demanding regarding data centres?

The Green Party wants the provincial government to disclose the exact number of proposed AI data centres and identify the targeted communities in New Brunswick.

Where are the proposed data centres located in Saint John?

Developers are planning one data centre for the Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Discussions are underway for a second facility near the Lorneville community.

Why does Megan Mitton want a moratorium on these projects?

Mitton wants a pause on development until the government passes strict legislation. She says this legislation must protect the environment and prevent local electricity prices from increasing.

What is the current government policy on data centres?

The province proposed a three page policy framework requiring developers to show financial viability and avoid negative impacts on water and infrastructure. Critics call this framework unenforceable.