Nova Scotia Residents Question EverWind's $10B AI Data Centre Plan at Information Session
More than 200 people attended a session in D'Escousse, N.S., where EverWind Fuels presented plans for a $10-billion AI data centre in Point Tupper. Residents raised concerns about water usage, environmental assessments, and job displacement linked to tenant Anthropic.
More than 200 residents gathered Tuesday night in D’Escousse, Nova Scotia, for an information session on a proposed $10-billion artificial intelligence data centre planned for Point Tupper by EverWind Fuels.
The 18,600-square-metre facility is expected to come online by the end of 2027. American tech company Anthropic has signed a 20-year lease for the site. The first phase will draw 95 megawatts of electricity, with a 325-megawatt expansion anticipated in mid-2028 that would bring total energy demand to 420 megawatts.
During the session, attendees questioned whether EverWind would conduct an environmental assessment beyond the standard industrial approval process to evaluate impacts on wildlife and water resources. An EverWind official stated that the industrial approval and permitting process would protect the environment and noted Mi’kmaq ownership of some wind projects. Attendees described the company’s answers as vague and hollow, observing a pattern of validating questions before redirecting to positive aspects or future timelines.
Mark Stewart, director of engagement for EverWind, acknowledged resident frustration and said the session marked the start of the conversation, with more consultations planned through 2027.
Water usage was a key topic. The project includes a closed-loop cooling system using recycled water alongside an external system requiring additional water on hot days. EverWind estimates the facility will use roughly 100,000 litres of water daily from Landrie Lake during the first phase, rising to an average of 500,000 litres per day after expansion. Peak water demand represents 1.5 per cent of Landrie Lake’s estimated sustainable daily yield. Water used in the closed-loop system will not be returned to the lake but handled by a waste-management company.
EverWind projects the development will generate $2.4 billion in construction spending, $1.5 billion in provincial corporate income tax over 20 years, and $110 million in municipal property tax over the same period. The project is expected to create 215 permanent jobs in the community and 2,000 temporary construction jobs.
Attendee Brandon Kroetsch questioned the validity of touting new jobs given warnings from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei about AI disrupting the labour market. Amodei has proposed better data collection, pro-employment policy incentives, and mechanisms like universal basic income to address potential AI job displacement.
Anthropic did not return a request for comment regarding oversight or attendance at future information sessions. The company was valued at close to $1 trillion earlier this year and is preparing for an initial public offering as early as November 2026.