Cumberland Municipal Council has passed first reading of a by-law to amend the Land-Use By-law to place a temporary pause on accepting AI Data Centre Development Permit Applications. The next step is a public hearing which will be scheduled for September.
Members of Council have been receiving community concerns about the potential development of AI data centres. In June, Council directed staff to provide information on the mechanics of implementing a moratorium on accepting development applications for AI data centers.
This pause will allow for the completion of the ongoing comprehensive review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Land-Use By-Law which will provide further guidance to Council before it considers any future development inquiries regarding AI data centres.