In the wake of criticism and questions about a proposed $10-billion AI data centre in Point Tupper, N.S., the chief financial officer of EverWind says the company will host engagement sessions starting next week. “This is really just the start of the conversation,” Matthew Tinari, who is also EverWind’s chief strategy officer, told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis. “We can go and meet with the communities. “There are of course going to be people who are not trusting of large corporations but there are a lot of people in Canada who use AI in their day-to-day lives.” Earlier this month, EverWind unveiled its plans to build the 18,600-square metre data centre in Cape Breton. AI company Anthropic has signed a 20-year lease for the facility. The announcement has drawn concerns over environmental and water supply impacts, along with spikes to electricity rates. “This is a 100 per cent private investment,” Tinari said. “Nova Scotia stands to benefit during this lease.” Tinari cited more than $100 million in tax revenue and GDP stimulation as some of the benefits the data centre could bring to the region. He also claimed many Canadians are using AI and importing the computing power from other jurisdictions. “EverWind’s perspective is, you’re using it anyways, we want to bring the long-term benefits here,” he said. “There are people who do not like AI but there are just as many if not more who use it.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
