New Brunswick asks for public feedback on its plan for data centres

By: Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press Posted:

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FREDERICTON - The New Brunswick government wants residents to weigh in on its data centre policy as it considers a proposal for a facility in the province's southwest.

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FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick government wants residents to weigh in on its data centre policy as it considers a proposal for a facility in the province’s southwest.

The province created a framework for data centre development it says will prevent spikes in electricity costs for ratepayers and minimize the facilities’ impact on the environment.

A news release says the draft policy will support Canada’s efforts to control its own data and develop Canadian artificial intelligence.

The New Brunswick provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
The New Brunswick provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The public can share their thoughts on the plan until Oct. 2 through an online form on the government’s website. 

The Liberal government’s request for feedback comes as it reviews plans for a proposed data centre west of Saint John, N.B. 

The 390-megawatt Spruce Lake AI Hub, pitched by Beacon Data Centres and VotaGrid, is currently under regulatory review.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 1, 2026.

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