Canadians Wary of Data Centres, Poll Finds
A recent Angus Reid poll shows most Canadians do not want their province to encourage data centre development.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Should your province encourage or limit new data centre construction in your area?
A recent Angus Reid poll found a strong majority of Canadians were not interested in data centres when asked whether their province should encourage or limit them. Meanwhile, a Calgary city councillor is seeking to halt approvals for large-scale data centres until policy gaps are addressed.
Why it matters
Businesses and governments tout job creation from data centres, while opponents raise concerns about power use, electricity rates, and local water supplies. The divide in public opinion, with Albertans among both the strongest supporters and opponents, signals that policy questions around these facilities remain unsettled across Canada.
The Angus Reid poll measured whether Canadians want their province to encourage or limit data centres, with a strong majority expressing no interest. Exact percentages and the poll's sample size were not provided, and the specific policy gaps cited by Calgary's councillor remain undefined.
The players
Angus Reid
Angus Reid is a Canadian public opinion research firm known for regular polling on political and social issues.
Calgary City Council
Calgary City Council is the municipal governing body for Calgary, Alberta, responsible for local zoning and approval decisions.
The details
Canadians were asked whether data centres should be encouraged or limited by their province, and a strong majority expressed disinterest. Opponents cite effects on power use, electricity rates, and local water supplies, while proponents point to job creation.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Article published on recent Angus Reid poll findings.
Roadmap
Public skepticism toward data centres is emerging alongside the rapid expansion of the sector in Canada. The Angus Reid findings suggest that local approval processes in places like Calgary may face growing scrutiny as communities weigh job benefits against power, water, and electricity concerns.
Residents may see effects on their electricity rates and local water supplies if data centres are built near them. Those interested in provincial or municipal decisions can follow council approval processes for large-scale facilities.
The takeaway
Public opinion on data centres is divided, and local approvals are becoming a flashpoint. Readers who care about electricity bills or water use can track provincial and municipal decisions as they develop.
Further reading
For more on the infrastructure debate, see Data Centers coverage across Canada.
Live Poll
Should your province encourage or limit new data centre construction in your area?
