Information sharing event raises environmental concerns about proposed Point Tupper AI data centre
Concerns about the$10 billion EverWind project took to the road on Friday, with organizers distributing information pamphlets and asking the public to consider what they describe as potential negative impacts on water, electricity and the environment.
EverWind announced its data centre project on October 16, and it has become a contentious issue on social media ever since.
Traffic was slowed through Aulds Cove as a group of about 20 people showed up to share their message with passersby.
Madonna Bernard says the gathering grew out of discussions with elders about how best to raise awareness about the proposed development. She says some people initially wanted to take stronger action, but elders advised them to focus on education.
“Our elders told us that we have to educate people first and foremost,” says Bernard.
Bernard added her concerns center particularly on water and what she describes as the potential environmental consequences of AI data centres. She says the group has visited the Point Tupper and Landrie Lake areas and is concerned about the future of local water resources.
“I’m hoping more people will get educated and do their own research on it,” says Bernard.
Colleen Cameron, who says she was attending with her Mi’kmaw friends, shares concerns about the proposed development and its potential effect on water and electricity supplies.
Cameron says her concern is also about what she describes as a lack of community consultation surrounding the project.
“It really bothers me is that this came about all of a sudden, there was no discussion about it, and all of a sudden they’ve already started building,” Cameron said.
Cameron says she hopes the event will encourage people to pay closer attention to the development and its potential implications.
“I’m hoping people will just stop and realize what’s happening and what our government is doing and allowing in promoting this kind of development,” says Cameron.
EverWind has shared dates for two public engagement sessions: November 3 in D’Escousse and Novenber 4 in Lower River, with additional dates still to be announced.
