Tag Archives: TELUS

Communications

In cities across Canada, hundreds gather to oppose unchecked AI data centre proliferation

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By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A national protest movement against AI data centres is emerging in Canada, as residents in a dozen cities push back against the speed and scale of projects they say could strain supplies of water and power and the quality of life in their communities.

In Vancouver, demonstrators marched from the Vancouver Art Gallery to City Hall against two proposed TELUS-linked AI data centres, part of a BC cluster that could consume 150 megawatts of BC Hydro power by 2032. The protesters “feel it’s been imposed on them and that they had no say and that their interests are not being taken to heart,” said Guerric Haché, a 36-year-old organizer with NO AI Vancouver.

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Communications

BC’s new data centre cluster sparks new discussion of ‘sovereign’ AI push

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TELUS is pushing ahead with plans for a major AI data-centre cluster in British Columbia after being selected under Ottawa’s large-scale AI data-centre initiative. But the project is raising questions about who will ultimately control that infrastructure and whether BC’s clean power grid can absorb the electricity demand.

The project announced Monday with federal backing, would start with 85 megawatts of power from BC Hydro and scale to 150 megawatts, and over 60,000 NVIDIA GPUs, by 2032.

It includes three sites: an AI facility in Kamloops launching later this year, a Mount Pleasant location opening in 2026 and expanding through 2028 and a 10-storey data centre near BC Place set for 2029.

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Health, Indigenous Nations, Politics, Transportation

Area C Director’s Report: update on UBCM advocacy

Hello, 
The past week was a blur of learning, advocating, and networking as I was immersed for five and a half days at the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention which this year took place in lovely Victoria BC.

Along with study sessions, learning workshops, discussion forums, and plenary sessions from early morning till late afternoon, UBCM provides an opportunity for regional districts and municipalities to advocate on their priority issues with provincial Ministers and to meet with provincial staff as well. This report shares an update on advocacy the SRD Board & I engaged in, representing regional and community concerns with the Province.

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Communications, Politics, Waste

Area C Director’s Report: payphone access & QCove sewer grant allocation


From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
Here we are arriving in September rich with cricket music and garden bounty, and excellent community events just finished (Quadrapalooza!) and right around the corner (Youth Harvest Happenings Fall Fair!).

At the August SRD Board meeting there were several Area C related topics discussed. This report shares decisions made regarding Village Bay payphone access and a grant funding allocation to Quathiaski Cove sewer.

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Politics

Area C Director’s Report: OCP input welcome, island awesomeness, + more

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
This report is a quick one, providing you more time to enjoy the glorious June weather.

Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: OCP input welcome, island awesomeness, + more →