A recent Leger poll reveals widespread Canadian concern over the financial and ecological consequences of expanding artificial intelligence data centres.

Eighty-one percent of respondents fear these facilities will spike household electricity bills, while 79% worry about their water consumption, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.The survey highlights a divided public opinion: while 46% support building data centres to enhance Canadian data sovereignty, 37% oppose it.

Alberta is poised to host most of Canada's planned data centre expansion, with companies potentially drawing power from natural gas plants rather than the grid.

Government policies like Bill 12 aim to regulate energy costs for these facilities, but public opposition persists across provinces, including Manitoba's rejection of a major project.

The article underscores the tension between technological advancement and environmental sustainability, as well as the economic trade-offs associated with hosting data centres.

Critics argue that without proper oversight, these projects could exacerbate climate change and strain natural resources, while proponents emphasize their role in supporting digital infrastructure.