Saint John residents raise concerns over another proposed data centre
Oct 28, 2026 · Summarized by Fundy Tech from 6 sources
A second proposed data centre in Saint John is raising new questions about power, water and public input. Documents show Cross River Infrastructure Partners wants 50 megawatts at first.
Key points
- The project is proposed for Saint John, New Brunswick.
- Cross River Infrastructure Partners is the company named in the documents.
- It is initially requesting 50 megawatts of network-firm power.
- Save Lorneville says residents worry about the grid, health and the environment.
The full story
Residents in Saint John, N.B., are already debating one proposed data centre near Lorneville, and a second possible project is now adding to the concern. Global News says documents obtained through a right-to-information request show that Cross River Infrastructure Partners has proposed another large-scale data centre in Saint John.
According to correspondence between the company and Opportunities New Brunswick, the project is initially requesting 50 megawatts of network-firm power. The documents also refer to potential future expansion opportunities, including grid-responsive capacity and further economic development. Opportunities New Brunswick did not comment by deadline, and the City of Saint John said it had received preliminary inquiries and correspondence but had no updates on the proposal.
Residents and advocates say they want more public discussion about what projects like this would mean for electricity, water and the local environment. Lauren Smith of Save Lorneville said she is worried the technology is moving faster than government regulation. She raised concerns about noise ordinances, industrial uses and 24/7 pollution, and said current rules are too old to handle the technology.
Smith also said people want to know who will pay for grid build-out and whether ratepayers will be expected to cover costs. NB Power told Global News that projects of this size need contractual flexibility to protect the grid and rates, and must fit within its long-term supply plan. Smith said the public needs open dialogue and proper consultation.
The debate sits within a wider provincial and national discussion about AI data centres, with other provinces also weighing environmental and power concerns.
Why it matters
Large data centres can affect electricity demand, water use and local planning. For households, that can mean questions about rates and infrastructure costs. For businesses, the issue is whether the grid can support new industrial loads without shifting costs onto customers.
Who’s affected: Saint John residents, power grid and ratepayers
What’s next
Opportunities New Brunswick had not commented by deadline. The City of Saint John said it has no updates on the proposal.
What to do
- Watch for local planning and utility updates.
- Ask how power and water costs will be covered.
- Follow environmental review developments in Saint John.
Original reporting
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