In response to record-breaking public opposition to a proposed federal AI data centre on Hamilton’s Steelport lands, Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann is moving a motion that would prohibit all new data centres in the city for up to two years while the City updates its zoning regulations.
Hamilton’s industrial zoning permits data centres.
The proposed data centre on the Steelport lands would be operated by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada on behalf of universities and public sector research bodies.
Nann’s motion argues that changes in the scale of data centres and the adoption of AI computing mean Hamilton’s current zoning definition of a data centre is outdated.
Section 38 of the Planning Act permits a municipality to enact an interim control bylaw to temporarily prohibit the use of land, buildings or structures within the municipality or within the defined area or areas for purposes listed within the bylaw. The initial time limit for an interim control bylaw is one year, which can be extended into a second year for further studies.
The motion will be voted on first during the Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Planning Committee meeting, with the subsequent Council ratification vote scheduled for June 24.
The issue has resulted in an unprecedented level of public engagement. Hundreds of people attended the June 4, 2026, Committee of Adjustment meeting to make their opposition to the proposal known, dozens of people made delegations against the proposal (with only one public delegate in favour), and a record-breaking over 1,600 letters of opposition were submitted.
The CofA voted unanimously to deny a land severance of the Steelport lands, which would facilitate a future site plan application to build a data centre. It was the largest crowd to ever attend a Hamilton Committee of Adjustment hearing.
CofA Member Robert Reid acknowledged the application met the legal test before moving to deny it.
“It meets all the regulations for that property,” Reid stated. “But at the same token, because of the residents, the way they came out today and voiced their opinions, I make a motion to deny the severance.”
Nann’s motion is designed to prevent Steelport from proceeding with a site plan application following an expected OLT appeal, and a potential decision overturning the CofA denial.
Where Council Members Stand
This publication asked council members for their thoughts on Nann’s motion. All interviews were conducted in-person inside of City Hall on June 12 and 15.
Mayor Andrea Horwath: Considering
“I am going to have a conversation with the Council and respect their ability to weigh in. It is an important issue, a lot of people are quite interested and concerned about it. We are going to have a robust conversation I am sure,” Horwath stated.
Listen to the full audio below, or on Facebook.
Maureen Wilson (Ward 1): Supporting the Motion
“I’ve been getting a lot of emails and trying my best to respond to them. My thoughts are that I will be supporting the motion,” Wilson began her response.
“I think the public is expressing concerns and asking a number of questions. I think the rapidity of this file is significant, and in order for us to build trust and confidence and to partner appropriately, we need to be able to acknowledge those concerns, ask those questions and see what needs to be informed, updated, changed in order to, um, partner appropriately assess appropriately, engage appropriately. And I think that’s what Hamiltonians want and deserve. And for that reason I’ll be supporting the motion.”
Cameron Kroetsch (Ward 2): Supporting the Motion, Seconder
Councillor Kroetsch is seconding Nann’s motion, his position is established as in favour. This publication did not interview him due to time constraints.
Nrinder Nann (Ward 3): Mover of the Motion
Councillor Nann is the mover of the motion.
Tammy Hwang (Ward 4): Supporting the Motion
“I think that it’s necessary for us to participate in that consultation process, especially because large scale data centres really do affect human health, community, the environment,” Hwang began her answer.
“I think that it has to be also balanced with some of the opportunity when it comes to the economic development potential, specifically when it comes to brownfield lands like the Slate lands. So my approach to all of this is, yes, let’s look at it from a good fiscal governance perspective, balancing that with the economic opportunity to really make use of those lands to be really good tax generators for the City of Hamilton.”
(Slate Asset Management owns the Steelport site.)
Matt Francis (Ward 5)
Councillor Francis was not at City Hall on Friday or Monday. He attended meetings by video conference both days.
Tom Jackson (Ward 6): Supporting the Motion
“I have told so many of my constituents I am supporting Nann’s motion, that I am opposed to the AI data centre application,” Jackson stated.
Esther Pauls (Ward 7): “Probably” Supporting the Motion
“I am probably going to vote yes, because a lot of people have emailed. We don’t know much about the AI, except a lot of the things it can cause with water, our health, so I will probably vote yes. I am actually looking forward to the staff presentation to learn more about it,” Pauls said.
Rob Cooper (Ward 8): Seeking More Information
“I am looking forward to the [staff] report,” was Cooper’s response.
Brad Clark (Ward 9)
Councillor Clark was not at City Hall on Friday or Monday. He attended meetings by video conference both days.
Jeff Beattie (Ward 10): Supporting the Motion
“I think it’s a worthwhile piece of legislation. We have to update our planning framework in order to make sure that we’re not causing harm to the city,” he said.
He added, “I’m not going to be at the planning committee tomorrow. My daughter is graduating from university.”
Mark Tadeson (Ward 11): Supporting the Motion
“It is a comprehensive motion. I think it covers a lot of aspects and concerns that the community has. I would like to delve deeper into the issue. I think that the motion might allow us to take that time to do it,” Tadeson said.
Craig Cassar (Ward 12): Reviewing the Motion
“I am still reviewing the motion and will have comments on Tuesday [at Planning Committee],” Cassar said.
Alex Wilson (Ward 13)
Councillor Alex Wilson was not at City Hall on Friday or Monday. He attended meetings by video conference both days.
Mike Spadafora (Ward 14): Supporting the Motion
“I think it’s a good motion,” Spadafora said.
“To give a full breakdown on how I feel about data centres, I believe it is premature. I think we need as much information as possible, but I think this is a good measure to make sure we can slow things down and get all the info we need.”
Ted McMeekin (Ward 15): Supporting the Motion
“I support it,” McMeekin said when asked his thoughts on the issue and motion.
The motion goes before Planning Committee on Tuesday, June 16, with Council ratification scheduled for June 24. If passed, the interim control bylaw would prohibit new data centre applications in Hamilton for up to two years while the City develops updated zoning regulations.
Production Details
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Published: June 15, 2026
Last updated: June 15, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
Slowing it down is responsible but based on the current population of Hamilton, those opposed are a fraction of the population. More feedback is necessary to make an informed decision. What will we do with the land if there is no interest in industrial construction? That’s a lot of tax dollars out there window. I have to think there is solutions to environment concerns. Bottom line if it’s appealed it will be approved.