AI data centers have stirred political debates globally, and British Columbia is no exception. Recently, the federal government pledged support for “sovereign AI data center” hubs championed by Telus in Vancouver and Kelowna. While this move garnered backing from industry and local leaders, it also sparked protests from groups raising concerns over big tech influence and environmental repercussions.
As British Columbia approaches its election day, the stances of political parties on this issue could influence the formation of the next government. B.C. Conservative Leader, Lorne Doerkson, emphasized the importance of considering data centers amidst the province’s significant water challenges. Meanwhile, the B.C. Green Party is advocating for a halt in new data center construction until stricter regulations and environmental policies are established.
In response, the B.C. NDP highlighted their Energy Statutes Amendment Act as a proactive measure. This policy mandates data center proponents to compete for a limited electricity supply, giving priority to those with environmental benefits and First Nations engagement. NDP Leader David Eby emphasized the necessity for data centers to meet specific criteria such as paying higher electricity rates, employing closed-loop water systems, and providing local job opportunities.
While OneBC refrained from taking a definitive stance on data centers, emphasizing the importance of community impact assessment, CentreBC did not provide a comment. Public concerns surrounding data centers revolve around their high water and power consumption, as well as potential air and noise pollution from on-site generators. Despite British Columbia’s hydroelectric resources, the province has increasingly relied on power imports due to persistent droughts.
Telus aims to operate the announced data centers using predominantly clean hydro power and recycling waste energy to heat homes, with a significantly lower water usage compared to traditional data centers. Despite these efforts, experts advise a cautious approach to this burgeoning industry to avoid future repercussions. Construction progresses on the Telus clusters, while B.C. Hydro reviews applications for new projects as British Columbians prepare to cast their votes on October 24th.
