Thorold Council Uncovers Hidden Data Centre Amid Crypto Mining Controversy
Thorold council members were surprised to learn that a data centre has been operating in the city for five years. The facility, opened by Red Jar in 2021 and spanning 100,000 square feet, currently hosts 20,000 dedicated BTC mining computers.
Councillor Jim Handley brought a motion to council calling on staff to review policies and regulations surrounding data centres. This comes at a time when data centres are facing criticism over environmental concerns such as water use and power consumption.
The motion calls for a review of zoning regulations, planning approval processes, and the potential electricity system implications of future data centres in Thorold. The city will also consult with relevant agencies to identify potential infrastructure implications and examine existing municipal policies and approaches used by other Ontario municipalities.