Data Centre Doubts: Two-thirds want them limited; fears over resource drains drive resistance
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (64%) believe provincial governments should limit the development of large data centres, while just 18% support expanding them, according to a new Angus Reid Institute survey. Opposition is particularly strong in Manitoba and Atlantic Canada, where 72% favour restrictions, followed by Saskatchewan at 70%. Among those opposed to expansion, 51% cite concerns about excessive water consumption, 38% worry about rising electricity costs and 34% believe the economic benefits would primarily favour large technology companies rather than local communities. Despite the opposition, supporters point to potential investment, job creation and improved competitiveness in artificial intelligence as Canada considers billions of dollars in new data centre projects.
