Thousands Rally Across Nova Scotia Against $10 Billion AI Data Centre Proposal
Approximately 2,000 people gathered in Halifax on Saturday to protest EverWind's proposed $10 billion AI data centre in Point Tupper, with simultaneous rallies held in six other Nova Scotia communities. Demonstrators raised concerns over the lack of an environmental assessment, government transparency, water usage, and the prioritization of corporate profits over public services.
Close to 2,000 people attended the Stop the AI Data Centre rally in Halifax on Saturday, demanding that Premier Tim Houston’s government halt EverWind’s plans for a massive facility in Point Tupper. The proposed AI data centre, announced on Oct. 16, carries a projected cost of $10 billion and is intended to power operations for Claude, an AI outlet owned by Anthropic.
The size of the crowd in Halifax prompted police to close traffic on Hollis Street. Simultaneous rallies were also held in six other communities across the province, including Port Hawkesbury, Sydney, Truro, Bridgewater, Kentville, and Westville. In Bridgewater, about 300 people attended the protest despite heavy rain.
Protesters cited several concerns regarding the project. A central point of contention was that EverWind’s AI data centre will not have to undergo an environmental assessment. Demonstrators also criticized a lack of government transparency and democratic process, raised concerns about water resource depletion—specifically regarding Lake Landrie—and argued against diverting public funds from education and healthcare to corporate projects.
Private equity firm Nuveen has committed $175 million in financing for EverWind.
The protests coincided with Hal-Con, a sci-fi and gaming convention taking place in downtown Halifax, which banned AI-generated media this year.