Protests across Nova Scotia target proposed data centre

Hundreds of people protested across Nova Scotia on Saturday against EverWind’s proposed AI data centre in southern Cape Breton. Seven demonstrations were held, with the largest gathering outside Province House in Halifax. Protesters raised concerns about environmental impacts, questioned whether residents had received enough information and urged Premier Tim Houston’s government to prioritize services such as health care and libraries.

The planned facility is expected to come online in 2027 and draw 95 megawatts of electricity in its first phase. A 325-megawatt expansion is scheduled for mid-2028. Houston and EverWind Fuels say the development would not compromise the environment or impose costs on electricity ratepayers.

EverWind says some 80 turbines will be built around Nova Scotia to help power the centre, while the campus will use and reuse water from a nearby lake. Halifax protest organizers welcomed the turnout and said they wanted to build public awareness and stop both the proposed development and future projects.