My Statement on Proposed Data Centres in oakville

There have been numerous reports in recent weeks about proposed data centres coming to Oakville. While the Town has not received any formal applications, residents are right to have questions about what these facilities are, how they operate, and what they could mean for our community.

Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology, and it is clearly here to stay. It offers significant opportunities, but like any major technological shift, we must also understand its impacts on our neighbourhoods and how the infrastructure supporting these facilities will affect the communities around them.

Through my work with dozens of mayors across Canada and the United States on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, I have heard firsthand about the challenges municipalities have faced as data centres have expanded into their communities. Earlier this year, I moderated a panel discussion at the organization's Annual General Meeting in Hamilton focused specifically on the opportunities and challenges presented by data centres.

Oakville must be prepared before an application arrives. Residents should know that any proposal must be evaluated against clear standards that address issues such as water consumption, energy demand, noise, vibration, environmental impacts, and compatibility with surrounding neighbourhoods. These are real concerns that communities across North America have experienced.

Municipalities cannot address these issues alone. We need the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to work alongside municipalities to establish clear expectations, consistent standards, and appropriate safeguards for local communities. At the same time, I recognize the strategic importance of developing Canadian-owned technology infrastructure. As our economy becomes increasingly digital, it is important that Canada has secure domestic data capacity. That makes getting the rules right even more important.

As Mayor, I will work directly with our provincial and federal partners to establish a clear framework for evaluating data centre proposals. That framework must be transparent, evidence-based, and developed with meaningful public consultation so residents understand the standards being applied and have confidence in the process.

While we await any formal application, I will raise these issues at Council and make it clear to the data centre industry that there will be no shortcuts or backroom approvals. Any proposal must meet rigorous community standards through an open, transparent process that earns the confidence of Oakville residents.

Sincerely,

Sean O'Meara