If you live in Saint John, you know the ongoing debates over industrial expansion. Now, the New Brunswick government is negotiating a deal that brings a second large scale data centre to the city. This development sparks immediate concern from Lorneville residents who already oppose a similar project planned for a nearby industrial park.

According to a recent report from CBC News, Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners submitted a proposal in April for a new data centre campus. Residents discovered this second proposal through a right to information request.

Community Raises Red Flags

Chris Watson lives in the west side rural community of Lorneville. He says residents worry about the environmental and community impacts of another massive tech facility. Noise pollution and resource drain top the list of concerns.

“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.”

Watson belongs to a local group that spent the last two years fighting the city and province over the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion. That expansion received approval for 2025. The group also opposes the first data centre proposed for the park by VoltaGrid and Beacon A.I. Centers.

Details of the New Proposal

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners wants 50 megawatts of network firm power service. This guarantees uninterrupted power for their operations. Opportunities New Brunswick Minister Luke Randall confirmed ongoing discussions with the company.

Lorneville resident Lauren Smith expressed alarm over the lack of rules governing these facilities.

“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 highlighted concerns about the local electrical grid and water quality. She questioned the ethics of dedicating massive amounts of clean drinking water to cool computer servers when many Canadians lack access to safe water.

Economic Growth Versus Local Impact

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners promotes the project as a win for the province. The company promises economic growth, job creation, and sovereign hosting capacity. Data sovereignty remains a major focus for the Canadian government amid ongoing trade conflicts with the United States.

Watson agrees that critical infrastructure holds value. However, he questions the location choice.

“Where you put these things matters,” Watson said. “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.”

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon noted that the city remains unaware of specific plans until a company applies for a permit. As of now, Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners has not submitted a permit application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What company is proposing the new data centre in Saint John?

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners proposed the new large scale data centre campus.

Where will the proposed data centre be located?

The proposal targets the Saint John Industrial Park area, likely near the Spruce Lake Industrial Park where another data centre is already under review.

Why are Lorneville residents opposed to the project?

Residents cite concerns over noise pollution, heavy water usage, strain on the electrical grid, and the cumulative environmental impact of multiple industrial projects in their community.

Has the city approved the new data centre?

No. The city has not received a permit application for the Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners project yet.