Canadians Opposed Data Centre Expansion Projects

A majority of Canadians support government limits on AI data centre development and oppose financial subsidies for the sector.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Data Centers

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a massive industrial transformer situated in a vast, cold coniferous forest. — A majority of Canadians oppose further expansion of AI data centres, citing concerns over water consumption and rising electricity costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the government restrict the development of large-scale AI data centers in your country?

Sixty-four percent of Canadians support government restrictions on large AI data centre development, while an equal share opposes public financial subsidies for such projects. Recent studies reflect widespread public hesitation regarding the rapid growth of digital infrastructure across the country.

Why it matters

The public remains concerned about the resource-intensive nature of these facilities as Ottawa explores opportunities to support six gigawatts of new capacity. Balancing massive technological investment with local resource management has become a point of tension for Canadian policymakers.

Ottawa is currently evaluating plans for six gigawatts of new data centre capacity that could represent more than $100-billion in new investment. These figures represent the total proposed scale of the initiative being explored by federal officials.

The players

Angus Reid Institute

This non-profit, non-partisan public opinion research foundation conducted a study on Canadian sentiment toward data centre development.

Nanos

This research firm provided data on Canadian public sentiment regarding government financial subsidies for data centres.

Ottawa

The federal government of Canada is currently exploring investment opportunities for new data centre capacity.

The details

Opponents of increased data centre development point to significant resource demands, with 51% citing water use and 38% noting electricity costs as their primary concerns. These findings arrive as the government continues to assess its involvement in expanding the nation's digital infrastructure.

Studies on Canadian public opinion of AI centres were published in October 2026.

The Tech Race

The push for six gigawatts of new capacity reflects a broader national strategy to secure a competitive foothold in global artificial intelligence infrastructure. This effort follows a pattern set by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, forcing a difficult trade-off between long-term digital growth and immediate environmental impact.

The debate over electricity and water usage could lead to new local zoning regulations or utility pricing structures that may affect household energy costs. Residents should monitor provincial and municipal discussions as these large-scale facilities begin to compete for regional resources.

The takeaway

The public's focus on water and power usage indicates that infrastructure projects will likely face increased scrutiny regarding resource sustainability. Stakeholders in the tech sector should prepare for more rigorous environmental and community impact assessments in future developments.