Port Hawkesbury’s town council and local residents are urging EverWind Fuels to provide more information about a data center the green hydrogen company intends to construct at its premises in Point Tupper, N.S. The council had its initial public discussion on the matter on Tuesday evening, following EverWind’s recent disclosure of the data center as part of its long-term plans.
Town council members have decided to task town staff with gathering details from EverWind and presenting a follow-up report. Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton emphasized during the council session that any data center proposal must not compromise the primary water supply for Port Hawkesbury and Point Tupper.
Concerns about whether the benefits outweigh the risks were voiced by councilors and residents. While acknowledging the necessity of energy-intensive data centers to meet growing demand for computing power and data storage, critics are wary of the environmental implications due to the significant energy and water requirements of such facilities.
None of Port Hawkesbury’s four town councilors explicitly endorsed the EverWind plan, with many expressing reservations raised by residents regarding the impact on the Landrie Lake water utility. Deputy Mayor Todd Barrett stressed the importance of economic growth without compromising essential resources like water.
During the council meeting, two local residents also echoed concerns about the proposed data center. Craig Power, a Port Hawkesbury resident with tech industry experience, questioned the safety and efficiency of data centers designed for artificial intelligence production. Similarly, Richmond County resident Jalissa Stewart, residing near the proposed location, highlighted various worries about the project’s effects on the community.
As of October 6, EverWind Fuels had not confirmed if the planned data center would involve artificial intelligence production. While Richmond County’s municipal council has not yet discussed the data center proposal openly, Warden Lois Landry indicated openness to the idea, provided it complies with all regulations and safeguards local resources.
In response to queries regarding Port Hawkesbury’s role in the event of the data center’s approval, the town’s chief administrative officer, Terry Doyle, mentioned the town’s commitment to advocating for residents’ interests in matters of safety and resource management.
Mayor Chisholm-Beaton expressed optimism about the forthcoming public consultations by EverWind, aiming to offer municipalities and residents a more comprehensive understanding of the proposal. The mayor highlighted EverWind’s stated priorities of protecting ratepayers, water resources, environment, covering infrastructure costs, and delivering benefits to local communities.
By addressing the concerns raised and ensuring transparency in the decision-making process, both the council and residents hope to navigate the potential implications of the data center effectively.