Developer withdraws plans to build northern Ontario AI data centre over public opposition

Developer withdraws plans to build northern Ontario AI data centre over public opposition

Developer withdraws plans to build northern Ontario AI data centre over public opposition

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ai-data-centre-withdrawn-armour-township-9.7239102

Publish Date: 2026-06-18 06:00:00

Source Domain: www.cbc.ca

  • Developer Almaguin Data has withdrawn plans to build a two-megawatt AI data centre in Armour Township, Ontario, due to public opposition.
  • Public opposition was primarily centered around environmental concerns, including the facility’s potential water usage.
  • The company stated it would have invested between $15 and $20 million to expand the facility over five years, potentially creating 10-12 jobs.
  • Concerns raised by local resident Jordan Gorlick and others include the long-term environmental impacts of water usage related to data centre operations.
  • Current plans indicate that there are 96 hyperscale data centres in development in Canada, with growing community opposition to this technological expansion.