Vancouver and Kamloops are set to become home to a new AI data centre cluster through a partnership between the federal government and Telus.
Speaking in Vancouver, AI Minister Evan Solomon said the project will help Canada grow its AI industry while keeping Canadian data and technology inside the country.
The plan includes expanding an existing Telus facility in Kamloops and building two new data centres in Vancouver. The first Vancouver site, located in the former Hootsuite headquarters in Mount Pleasant, and the Kamloops expansion are expected to open later this year. A second Vancouver facility is planned for 2029.
Telus says the project will mostly run on clean hydro power and use much less water than traditional data centres. The company also says waste heat from the facilities could help heat up to 150,000 homes.
The project has support from the B.C. government and the City of Vancouver. However, some environmental groups and politicians have raised concerns about water use, energy demand and the speed of approvals for large data centre projects.
Emily Lowan said stronger environmental rules and community consultation are needed before more projects move forward.
