{
  "id": 13760914,
  "title": "BC Greens say public must have a say whether AI data centres get built",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/bc-greens-say-public-must-have-a-say-whether-ai-data-centres-get-built",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-11T17:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/10/11/bc-greens-say-public-must-have-a-say-whether-ai-data-centres-get-built"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 11, 2026, BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan expressed her disappointment with NDP policies regarding AI data centres in British Columbia, stating that the current measures fall short of her party's expectations. Lowan believes that the public should have a say in the approval process of these data centres.\n\nThe NDP, led by David Eby, has proposed several policies for AI data centres, such as water-efficiency standards, mandatory reporting of water consumption, and community engagement on conservation and drought planning. However, Lowan has questioned whether the NDP would grant communities a veto on construction projects.\n\nThe Greens have previously pledged to halt the construction and operation of AI data centres until a comprehensive public-interest audit is completed and a regulatory regime is implemented. They have also expressed interest in collaborating with the federal government to establish an independent AI oversight commission.\n\nIn May, Telus and federal AI Minister Evan Solomon announced three AI data centres in B.C., with Telus estimating that they would consume 150 megawatts of power by 2032. This power equivalent to 12-14% of the Site C dam's output, which was built in northeast B.C.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "BC Greens leader Emily Lowan criticizes NDP policies on AI data centres.",
    "NDP proposes water-efficiency standards and community engagement for data centres.",
    "Greens demand public say, veto right, and independent AI oversight commission."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}