More than 500 people marched through downtown Vancouver on Saturday to protest plans for two large artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the Canadian city. The demonstration came as Canada moves forward with major investments aimed at expanding its AI infrastructure and computing capacity.
The protest was led by 18-year-old Vancouver student Torin LaRocque, who helped organize the event after following similar opposition movements in the United States. Demonstrators gathered at Waterfront Station before marching along Granville Street and across the Granville Bridge to Granville Island. Participants called on the federal government to withdraw support for the proposed projects.
Concerns Over Energy and Water Use
Many protesters said they were worried about the environmental impact of AI data centers. According to organizers, concerns include rising electricity demand, heavy water consumption, and possible air pollution linked to the facilities.
LaRocque said Vancouver is already facing challenges related to housing and water resources. He argued that adding large data centers could place further pressure on essential services. Protesters also carried signs and chanted slogans as they moved through the city center. Vancouver Police monitored the event, which temporarily affected traffic on parts of the Granville Street Bridge.
Major Projects Planned for Vancouver
The demonstration took place as Vancouver prepares for a significant expansion of AI-related infrastructure. One planned facility will transform a former office building on East Fifth Avenue into an AI-focused data center later this year. Another proposed 10-story center on West Georgia Street is expected to begin operations in 2029.
The projects involve Canadian telecommunications company Telus and are expected to require large amounts of electricity. The federal government recently announced support for the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen Canada’s domestic AI and computing capabilities.
Economic Benefits and Public Debate
Officials say the three planned data centers in British Columbia, including one proposed in Kamloops, could generate about C$9 billion (approximately S$8.9 billion) in economic value. The projects are also expected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and 525 permanent positions.
Government representatives have stated that the facilities will use advanced cooling systems designed to reduce energy consumption by 80 percent and water use by 90 percent. Despite those claims, opposition groups continue to push for a pause in construction while environmental and public safety concerns are examined. A petition launched by the grassroots group No AI Vancouver had collected more than 3,500 signatures by Saturday.
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