Data Centre Development Must Balance Economic Growth with Environmental Responsibility

Data centres are becoming critical infrastructure for an increasingly digital economy, but their development is often met with controversy. The debate around data centres in Canada has grown louder, with questions surrounding energy, water, land use, environmental impact, and community infrastructure.

LiUNA members build data centres, including roads, utilities, water and wastewater systems, energy infrastructure, and surrounding developments that allow these investments to function. However, workers are often caught in the crossfire, their work reduced to a political talking point or vilified as though supporting construction means caring less about communities.

LiUNA members don't simply arrive at a jobsite and collect a paycheque; they are integral to the community. Their children attend local schools, families use parks, hospitals, and community centres, support local businesses, coach sports teams, pay municipal taxes, and drive the same roads as everyone else.

Government, industry, and municipalities should focus on answering practical questions about data centre development, such as where projects should be located, how they connect to the electricity grid, water and resource management, required infrastructure, environmental standards, and local worker benefits.