Asked by Anonymous · 21 days ago
What will you do to resist AI infrastructure/data centres being built in our communities if they are proposed? It seems like there is a huge disconnect between what the people want and the choices those in power are making. We don’t want data centres EVER in New Tec!
I will say no to large AI data centres in New Tecumseth.
This isn’t about being against AI or technology. It’s about whether this particular type of development makes sense here, and I don’t believe it does.
We already have serious infrastructure challenges ahead of us. The Town itself says our current water planning does not provide the capacity needed for growth to 2051 and that additional capacity will require significant infrastructure investment. We are currently working on additional groundwater supply, water storage and booster pumping capacity just to support the growth already coming.
I don’t support adding a large AI data centre, with potentially significant electricity and water demands, to that equation. And I don’t believe the relatively small number of permanent jobs typically associated with these facilities justifies dedicating valuable employment land and infrastructure capacity to them.
Our water, power, land and infrastructure are valuable resources. My priority is using them to support our residents, our existing businesses and employment growth that actually brings meaningful jobs to New Tecumseth.
So my answer is clear: if a large AI data centre is proposed in New Tecumseth, I will not support it.