Hundreds of people marched through Vancouver on Saturday to protest plans for two new AI data centres in the city. Demonstrators said they are worried about how much water and electricity the facilities could use while Metro Vancouver faces tighter water restrictions.
The protest started at Waterfront Station and moved toward Granville Island, with people carrying signs and chanting against artificial intelligence projects. Organizer Torin LaRocque said the government should focus more on people’s needs instead of supporting large tech companies.
Telus plans to build two AI data centres in Vancouver and expand another site in Kamloops as part of a federal AI initiative. Supporters say the projects will help Canada compete in the growing AI industry.
Critics, including members of the B.C. Green Party, questioned whether the projects are environmentally friendly. They also argued the land could be used for housing or other community projects.
Telus says the facilities will use mostly clean hydro power, recycle waste heat, and use much less water than traditional data centres. Federal officials say concerns about water use, energy demand, and local impacts are still being reviewed.
