Residents in a rural area of Saint John have expressed strong opposition to a proposed data centre by Beacon AI Centers and Volta Grid. This proposal aims to establish a facility on a 120-hectare site within the recently expanded Spruce Lake Industrial Park. The park’s expansion was approved in July 2023, despite substantial community concerns.
Community Concerns Over Data Centre Proposal
The information session held by co-founders Nathan Ough and Joseph Shovlin attracted over 100 residents at a local community centre. Initially intended as an informal open house, it quickly evolved into a two-hour town hall meeting where residents raised various concerns.
Key Issues Raised
- Water consumption of the proposed data centre.
- Building size and design.
- Noise pollution and potential risks to residential drinking wells.
During the session, many questions went unanswered, particularly regarding the claims of the project’s economic benefits and environmental impact. Ough emphasized that the facility would create over 200 permanent, full-time jobs and clarify that an on-site natural gas generating system would address power consumption concerns.
Environmental Impact and Emissions
Ough stated the data centre would aim for nearly zero water usage and promised 98% emissions abatement through a “reactive catalyst” system. This claim led to skepticism among residents, especially regarding the community’s original agreement for non-emitting projects following the industrial park’s expansion.
Community leader Leah Alexander challenged local officials on previous commitments made by the city, specifically promises of “no smokestacks.” Ian MacKinnon, director of the Saint John Industrial Park, attended the meeting but was unable to provide satisfying answers.
Seeking Community Benefits
Residents expressed a desire for tangible community benefits from the project. Ough indicated a willingness to contribute positively, but many residents were skeptical about what that would entail. Ideas floated included direct compensation to Lorneville residents and preservation of local environmental features.
Alexander highlighted that ensuring the integrity of local wetlands and ancient trees should be paramount. Community members are particularly concerned that the project could disrupt their quality of life, including access to hiking trails and the peaceful coastal environment.
Future Steps and Ongoing Opposition
The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment received approval in August, which allows progress to continue, although community outreach has been limited since. Residents are calling for more transparency and a review period for independent assessments.
The discussion about a buffer zone between the development and wetlands elicited varied responses. While regulations mandate a 15-metre buffer, residents urged for a larger buffer to protect local ecosystems. The co-founders seemed open to dialogue but did not commit to any adjustments during the session.
As the conversation continues, community leaders like Alexander remain determined to fight against the proposal, emphasizing the need for greater clarity and genuine community involvement in the decision-making process.
Ough reflected positively on the engagement, stating that it was a constructive dialogue. However, many residents left the meeting with unresolved questions about the project’s specifics and potential impacts on their community.
