A New Framework for Data Centres

Opponents of data centres in New Brunswick feel hopeful about the province’s new development framework. However, they argue the government introduced it too late. The province unveiled the policy framework last week. It aims to protect electricity ratepayers, promote responsible energy and water use, and generate economic benefits. You can read the original report on Your Saint John.

The Department of Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour developed the policy. This comes as Calgary based Beacon AI and Texas based VoltaGrid pursue plans for a 390 megawatt data centre in Saint John’s Spruce Lake Industrial Park. The project remains under regulatory review. It sparked significant public opposition over projected energy consumption and potential environmental impacts.

Critics Demand Stronger Protections

Activist group Resist Data Centre NB says it is glad to see guidelines introduced. The group believes these rules needed to be in place before companies proposed projects.

“This policy should have existed before any data centres were on the table for New Brunswick, and [this] demonstrates why us, the Greens, and many others are asking for a moratorium,” the group wrote in a statement. “These projects are moving ahead of policy and regulations. Lorneville is the perfect example.”

The group wants the final policy to include clear definitions, measurable standards, numerical thresholds, and consequences for non compliance.

Saint John Mayor Welcomes Guidelines

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon agrees that having provincial guidelines in place earlier would have helped. She welcomes the policy framework and says provincial leadership is necessary as data centres become a prominent issue.

“I’m seeing small towns, municipalities, big and small, trying to create a path forward, to put a moratorium, not put a moratorium, like nobody is really equipped or knows what to do in these situations,” Reardon said. “I think we needed the leadership, so I was happy to see it.”

Reardon wants further clarification on community benefits. Under the proposed policy, proponents must outline the benefits they plan to provide and explain how they will measure those commitments. Reardon believes industry should support the city beyond basic economic development.

“Industry can bring noise, dust, dirt and lighting, and it can bring trains and whistles and emissions, but it also brings jobs, and so you need to balance that,” she said. “It would be nice to balance that with a contribution to the betterment and development of the community that they decide to settle in.”

Next Steps for the Policy

The policy still requires legislative approval. You have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the policy until October 2 through a provincial consultation website. The province will begin legislative or regulatory changes during the 2026 to 2027 legislative session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new New Brunswick data centre policy?

The policy is a provincial framework designed to regulate data centre development. It aims to protect electricity ratepayers, promote responsible energy use, and ensure community benefits.

Why are people protesting data centres in Saint John?

Residents and activist groups have raised concerns about the massive energy consumption, environmental impacts, and community disruptions associated with proposed projects like the 390 megawatt facility in Spruce Lake Industrial Park.

How can I share my feedback on the data centre policy?

You can submit your thoughts and feedback through the provincial consultation website until October 2.