Premier Tim Houston softens stance on data centres operating in Nova Scotia

Advertisement

Advertise with us

HALIFAX - Premier Tim Houston is softening his stance on the prospect of new data centres setting up in Nova Scotia.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

HALIFAX – Premier Tim Houston is softening his stance on the prospect of new data centres setting up in Nova Scotia.

The premier previously said it was premature to have a conversation about the issue before completing major energy projects such as the Wind West offshore wind proposal. 

In a statement Wednesday, the premier said the situation has changed and data centres considering Nova Scotia should help create demand and investment cases for energy projects.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston attends a photo-op at the Ontario legislature in Toronto on Monday, March 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston attends a photo-op at the Ontario legislature in Toronto on Monday, March 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Data centres, used in artificial intelligence and other high-tech industries, are massive operations that require an immense amount of electricity to run and cool off computer servers.

Houston said data centres are becoming increasingly critical pieces of infrastructure and Canada can’t rely on other countries to store its data.

The premier said he is also willing to consider proposals since Ottawa has rolled out new rules for the sector.

“If a company can protect our water, protect ratepayers, strengthen our communities, create economic opportunity and keep critical Canadian data in Canada, we will hear them out,” Houston said in the statement. “If they cannot meet that standard, they will not build here in Nova Scotia.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2026. 

Report Error Submit a Tip

More Stories

Gordon Bell students relish — ‘of all things’ — new pickleball courts

Maggie Macintosh 4 minute read Preview

Gordon Bell students relish — ‘of all things’ — new pickleball courts

Maggie Macintosh 4 minute read 6:00 AM CDT

Manitoba’s newest public school sports facility is bringing the pickleball craze to an inner-city campus.

Gordon Bell High School unveiled four custom-made courts for the popular paddle sport this fall as part of a multi-faceted makeover.

Grade 12 student Matea Thiessen Unger called the courts “the cherry on top,” of a multi-year construction project that consumed much of her high school career.

“It was happening for so long — it felt like it was never going to end,” the 16-year-old said.

Read
6:00 AM CDT

Positive anticipation is growing about major housing developments underway in Winnipeg’s downtown

Gabrielle Piché 10 minute read Preview

Positive anticipation is growing about major housing developments underway in Winnipeg’s downtown

Gabrielle Piché 10 minute read Yesterday at 6:00 AM CDT

If traffic is light and the wind is down, Somia Sadiq is able to hear the roar of Winnipeg Jets fans twice: first through her window, then on TV.

From her apartment view high above downtown, she can look out at Graham Avenue’s painted pedestrian landscape, see construction cranes and hear the heavy equipment at work as massive housing projects take shape at The Forks, at what used to be Portage Place shopping centre and at the former Hudson’s Bay building.

Sadiq has lived at 300 Main for 2 1/2 years, a few steps from the city’s famous, windy and reopened-to-pedestrians Portage Avenue intersection. At 42 storeys, it’s the tallest building in Winnipeg.

She is among 18,000 downtown residents who will soon be joined by thousands of others attracted to the city’s core by the new wave of major construction projects.

Read
Yesterday at 6:00 AM CDT

Time for the PUB to review Winnipeg water rates

Editorial 4 minute read Preview

Time for the PUB to review Winnipeg water rates

Editorial 4 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

We take you now to just over a month ago, to the Public Utilities Board and its decision about water and sewer rates for Russell, Binscarth, Angusville, Rossburn and Gambler First Nation.

Why? Just wait.

The area is supplied with water and sewage services by the Russell-Binscarth Water and Wastewater Utility, which has a total of 1,014 customers.

As the PUB noted in an Aug. 27, 2026 order on the utility’s rates, “The [water treatment plant] gets water from two groundwater wells that were upgraded in 2016 and the raw water main was installed in 1984. The water distribution system is primarily cast iron pipe. The raw water line will need to be upgraded in the near future to keep up with demand.”

Read
2:01 AM CDT

Husband of rival sex club owner accused in attempted bathhouse bombing

Morgan Modjeski 4 minute read Preview

Husband of rival sex club owner accused in attempted bathhouse bombing

Morgan Modjeski 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

A Winnipeg bathhouse owner says he was shocked to learn the man accused of planting a pipe bomb outside his business is married to the owner of a competing sex and lifestyle club.

Christopher Gregoire, who recently took ownership of AQ Sauna, said a live pipe bomb was found by a “heroic patron” outside the club, formerly known as Aquarius Bath House, in the early morning hours of Sept. 11.

On Thursday, the Winnipeg Police Service announced Erik Lymen Olson, 59, was facing multiple charges in the incident. Olson is the husband of Adonis Men’s Spa owner Doug Pomanski.

“This is wild,” Gregoire said after learning of the charges.

Read
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

Puzzles Palace

1 minute read Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

To solve our puzzles, please subscribe with this special offer: |

Sequestered skivvies seem like last straw

Maureen Scurfield 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My husband, who earns a hefty income, stayed in the city most of the summer working, except for a few long weekends with the kids and me at the cottage. He has giant work projects that need daily tending.

I work hard, too, with our four kids, two dogs and a cat. But I have to tell you I got a shock last week after coming home to organize my family team for a thorough cleaning of our three-storey home.

You’ll never guess what they found up in the attic — hidden boxes of sexy women’s lingerie that all looks brand-new.

I’ve kept my mouth shut so far, but my mind is spinning.