The federal government is handing out hundreds of millions of dollars to Westbank, Telus, and NVIDIA to create two AI Data Centres in Vancouver in dense, transit-accessible neighbourhoods that desperately need affordable housing. Billionaires will get a publicly funded payday.

Metro Vancouver is facing an imminent drought and wildfire season, and has implemented Stage 2 water restrictions starting on May 1st to preserve access to drinking water for residents. These data centres could use hundreds of thousands of litres of drinking water per day.

Around the world, residents are pushing back against data centres that are loud, cause public health concerns, drive up energy prices, cause energy grid problems that increase the use of fossil fuels, and use up water at an alarming rate.

1. We’re asking for a pause in AI data centres in Vancouver until robust regulatory frameworks are put in place.
   
   

2. We need clear and enforceable estimates for power and water usage- with a clear understanding of what the impacts on communities will be, public reporting, and penalties for violating these agreements.
   
   

3. We need a citywide policy on data centres that ensures there are environmental reviews, enforceable health and water use standards, and clear public benefits.