Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy is proposing a temporary halt on the establishment of AI data centers in the town. Bondy has tabled a motion for consideration at the upcoming town council meeting on September 8, seeking the preparation of an interim control by-law by municipal staff.
Interim control by-laws, as outlined under the Planning Act of Ontario, enable municipalities to suspend specific types of development in designated areas for up to a year while reviewing their land use planning policies, with the possibility of extension for an additional year.
Bondy emphasized the importance of safeguarding the town and its environment while a county-led study is underway. She aims to provide assurance to the public that further developments will be paused until more information is available.
This initiative by Bondy follows the recent steps taken by Essex County Council to gather initial data on data center planning and explore the potential costs associated with conducting a comprehensive study on the matter.
The decision on proceeding with the study is set to be made by the county council on September 2. Meanwhile, the provincial government unveiled a new framework for AI data centers, emphasizing sustainable practices such as closed-loop water systems and self-sufficient power generation. However, critics, including Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, have raised concerns about the lack of robust regulations to support these commitments.
Premier Doug Ford defended the establishment of data centers, urging critics to educate themselves about their benefits. Bondy addressed the need for thorough evaluation before allowing a data center in Essex, drawing parallels with past experiences like the management of wind turbines.
Recognizing the province’s authority in decision-making, Bondy stressed the importance of proactive measures by the council to protect the environment and communities in the event of a mandatory hosting of a data center. A local resident, Tyler Reh, has initiated a petition in support of Bondy’s motion to safeguard the town against potential adverse impacts of data center developments.