Rallies across North America Saturday called for stricter regulation of AI data centres and its infrastructure. One of those rallies was at Calgary City Hall, where some protesters held signs reading “Water for People Not Data Centres” and “Don’t Let Creativity Die.” One of the organizers said there are concerns AI is being pushed through too fast before we get answers about the kind of energy they will need to operate, if they will supply their own energy and the impact they may have on our water and land. “There is concern about water usage as well,” said Alberta Anti-AI coordinator Jenna Abbas. “Regardless of the type of energy that these data centers will use, whether they’ll generate their own electricity or purchase electricity. They’re going to need water to cool it down. That’s a very important piece of information as well.” People are also concerned about the noise and light pollution coming from a data centre. There are a few proposals in southern Alberta. One, near Olds, Alta., was denied after the Alberta Utilities Commission said the site was too close to local residences and a rezoning decision by Vulcan County council is presently the subject of a judicial review.
