A significant $10 billion AI data center initiative, potentially the largest private investment in Nova Scotia, is encountering resistance from local residents and the province’s official Opposition. The Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender revealed that her party has received extensive feedback following the recent announcement by EverWind Fuels about constructing an AI data center near Port Hawkesbury, N.S., intended for lease to the AI corporation Anthropic. Chender is urging the premier to convene an emergency legislative session in response to public concerns, particularly regarding energy affordability as winter approaches.
The public sentiment towards data center expansion in the region is predominantly negative, with apprehensions about government discrepancies highlighted by Chender. The Premier’s previous assurance that discussions on data centers were distant in the future contradicts the sudden development, prompting calls for legislative action to address power rates, energy efficiency, and environmental implications associated with data center operations.
Protests against the project have been staged, with participants expressing discontent over the lack of prior public consultation. Concerns about the environmental impact of AI data centers were raised, emphasizing the value of preserving Nova Scotia’s natural ecosystems. While reactions within the Richmond County community have been mixed, County Warden Lois Landry highlighted the potential benefits such as increased tax revenue and community agreements that could fund local infrastructure improvements.
Criticism also arose regarding the handling of a press conference by EverWind, with two reporters from a local news outlet being removed from the event, sparking a call for an apology from Examiner publisher Tim Bousquet. The incident underscored the importance of upholding press freedom while promoting transparency in corporate communications. EverWind acknowledged the misstep and pledged to review their protocols to ensure future incidents are managed appropriately.