Protests against proposed AI data centre held across Nova Scotia
Hundreds of people opposed to the proposed artificial intelligence data centre in southern Cape Breton demonstrated across Nova Scotia on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
The protests come amid growing public scrutiny of EverWind’s proposed development.
Seven demonstrations were held, with the largest taking place in Halifax outside Province House. Protesters say the proposed centre has no place in Nova Scotia.
Emmett Paul said, “I think that AI is the vein of human existence and I think that having a data centre here is not only an extremely bad idea for the environment and for the population but for a lot of reasons and it think it is ridiculous it was even considered.”
Abby Beals said, “The amount of people out here just shows how many Nova Scotians are against this and they feel like they’ve been lied to and not been given all the information.” She added, “I think people are angry and they want they want more from Tim Houston and our government.”
The planned data centre is expected to come online in 2027 and draw 95 megawatts of electricity in its first phase. A 325-megawatt expansion is scheduled for mid-2028.
Both Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and EverWind Fuels say the data centre would not compromise the environment or cost ratepayers a dime. Protesters say they are not convinced.
Elyse Whitman said, “I think it is being shoved down our throats without the proper regulation and consultation.”
Amy Harrison said, “We don’t want this here. There’s evidence all around the world that this is not right for us here in Nova Scotia.” She added, “We have many, many more important priorities health care, libraries. And we are here to tell Premier Houston what really matters to Nova Scotians.”
Ben Wetherell of the Environmental Society of Dalhousie said, “Getting everyone here and gathered here today is really, really great and a really good first step. But just raising awareness about it in general and stopping this one and stopping future ones. That’s the best we can do.”
A large group opposed to the proposed artificial intelligence data centre in southern Cape Breton demonstrated at Province House in Halifax on Nov. 7, 2026. A separate demonstration was held in Sydney, N.S., on the same day.
