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Saskatoon Weighs Pros and Cons of Hosting Energy-Intensive AI Data Centers
🇨🇦 Canada /Technology

Saskatoon Weighs Pros and Cons of Hosting Energy-Intensive AI Data Centers

From Global News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Saskatoon is debating the pros and cons of hosting energy-intensive AI data centers, following similar discussions in other Canadian cities.
  • City council is examining potential economic benefits against demands on water and electricity, with administration tasked to research the impacts.
  • While some, like the Chamber of Commerce, see economic opportunities, residents in other parts of the province have protested due to environmental concerns.

Saskatoon is now grappling with the complex issue of artificial intelligence data centers, joining a national conversation among Canadian cities about regulating these energy-intensive facilities. The city council is weighing the potential advantages against the significant demands these centers place on local resources, particularly water and electricity.

People are looking at the pros and cons of data centres and we’re feeling that will eventually hit Saskatoon.

— Scott Ford, Saskatoon city councillorExplaining the rationale behind initiating the debate and research into AI data centers in Saskatoon.

City councillor Scott Ford has initiated a motion for city administration to conduct thorough research into the multifaceted impacts of AI data centers before any projects are approved. This includes evaluating potential economic benefits alongside the strain on essential services. The move comes as Saskatchewan attracts attention from companies looking to build these facilities, but also faces opposition from concerned citizens.

Representing the business community, Jason Aebig of the Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the public's concerns but urges the city not to overlook the substantial economic opportunities data centers represent. He argues that such infrastructure is becoming increasingly integrated into the economy and is essential for North American competitiveness.

Because I don’t think there is jurisdiction in North America that cannot afford to look at this kind of infrastructure.

— Jason Aebig, Chamber of CommerceHighlighting the economic importance and necessity of data center infrastructure.

However, the debate is not without controversy. In the nearby Rural Municipality of Sherwood, Bell Canada's AI data center project is proceeding amidst protests. Similarly, a proposed data center in Moose Jaw has encountered significant opposition, with residents like Jeff Deagle organizing petitions due to environmental worries. The provincial government has stated it is not opposed to data centers but requires approved power allocations, indicating a cautious approach to development.

I think more people are becoming more aware of it, and more people are willing to voice their concerns about it.

— Jeff DeagleDescribing the growing public awareness and willingness to voice concerns about AI data centers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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