Poll shows many opposed to data centres ahead of open house on Cape Breton project
A new poll says the majority of Atlantic Canadians are against large scale data centres; information that has come to light as the first of two open houses on the possible Point Tupper development is about to get underway.
Data released on October 7 by the Angus Reid Institute showed that 72 per cent of Atlantic Canadians said their provincial governments should limit large scale data centres, with that total being 64 per cent across the country.
With a $10 billion investment on the line by EverWind, the Point Tupper project would be on the scale of a large scale data centre.
Since announced on October 16th, the EverWind announcement has garnered overwhelming online backlash, mostly pointing to concerns about water usage from the Landrie Lake Water Utility, power rates, environmental concerns and the economic impact to the region.
In addition to the social media chatter, over 26,000 concerned residents have signed a petition opposing the data centre. Additionally, public protests around the province are scheduled for noon on November 7 in Port Hawkesbury, Bridgewater, Sydney, Annapolis Valley, Truro, Kentville and Halifax.
The proposed $10-billion EverWind data centre in Point Tupper is entering an important phase of public engagement, with the first two community open houses beginning November 3 in D’Escousse and November 4 in Lower River.
Open houses will provide residents an opportunity to bring their questions directly to EverWind representatives.
EverWind says the information and community knowledge gathered through its open houses will help inform its planning and ongoing engagement.
