Hundreds protested against proposed AI data centres in Vancouver

Hundreds of protesters gathered near the Vancouver Art Gallery to oppose the planned AI data centres proposed by Telus in British Columbia.
This was the second protest in a month, following a demonstration in late May. Vancouver-based Telus and the Canadian government plan to build three data centres, two near Vancouver and one near Kamloops.
Protesters voiced concerns regarding environmental impacts, including pollution, water usage, energy needs, and potential strain on resources already facing water restrictions and energy shortages.
BC Green leader Emily O’Bonnar expressed that AI needs regulation due to concerns about environmental risks and the province’s reliance on coal-fired electricity from the US amidst droughts.
Grace Barrett initiated an online petition against the construction, which has garnered over 15,000 signatures, highlighting water usage concerns and lack of communication about the project.
Meanwhile, B.C. Premier David Eby defended the proposal, citing BC Hydro’s low energy costs and clean output as advantages.

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