Calgary’s Beacon AI and Texas-based VoltaGrid propose a $2 billion data centre in Saint John’s Spruce Lake Park, sparking local environmental concerns.
Business Proposal Sparks Debate in Saint John
The City of Saint John has received its first major proposal for the newly expanded Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Calgary-based Beacon AI Centers and Texas-headquartered VoltaGrid are seeking approval to build a data centre valued at up to $2 billion on a 120-hectare site. Data centres house massive computing systems used by corporations and governments to manage storage, streaming, and artificial-intelligence applications.
Land Rezoning Opens the Door to Investment
The proposed site was rezoned in July 2025 following weeks of public debate and community meetings. Councillor Greg Norton, who represents the area, called the proposal “a positive sign” of post-rezoning investment. He believes the project could generate substantial tax revenue, new jobs, and long-term growth for Saint John. “If done right, it could open doors to more investment and help us reach our potential,” Norton said.
Developers Promise Low Impact, Community Input
Beacon and VoltaGrid have committed to engaging residents before construction begins. An open house is scheduled for November 5 at the Lorneville Community Centre, where developers will outline environmental controls and facility design. According to a notice sent to residents, the project will feature enclosed buildings, noise-control systems, fire suppression, and advanced cooling to reduce environmental impact.
VoltaGrid, led by CEO Nathan Ough, originally from Saint John, plans to address local questions directly after the session.
Residents Voice Environmental Concerns
Some residents of Lorneville remain opposed to the development. Adam Wilkins, leader of the Save Lorneville community group, says the project contradicts the city’s promise to attract clean, light industry. “A data centre is not green,” Wilkins said. “It destroys mature forest and wetlands, consumes vast amounts of water and energy, and puts well water at risk.”
Wilkins and other residents have filed a judicial review of the July rezoning decision. Their main concern is the centre’s proximity—just 150 metres—to nearby homes, an unusually short buffer for a heavy-infrastructure facility.
Power Supply and Water Use Under Scrutiny
The proposal includes plans for VoltaGrid to build a 190-megawatt natural-gas-fired power plant on site to support the data centre’s significant energy needs, in addition to power from the N.B. Power grid. Councillor Norton said developers are exploring alternative water sources, possibly drawing from the Bay of Fundy, to protect the municipal supply, which has been stressed during recent dry periods.
Regulatory Reviews and Next Steps
City officials have confirmed that the project must undergo a provincial environmental impact assessment (EIA) before proceeding. The companies are also scheduled to meet privately with Saint John Council on November 4, a day before the public consultation.
Norton said the assessment process will ensure all safeguards are met. “The companies are committed to community consultation and transparency,” he said.
If approved, construction could begin within two years, with operations expected to start in early 2028.
Economic Promise vs. Environmental Balance
The Saint John data-centre proposal illustrates the city’s growing role as an industrial and technological hub on Canada’s East Coast. Yet it also highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental stewardship in expanding rural-urban communities. The open-house session next week may determine whether the project advances smoothly—or becomes another flashpoint in Saint John’s industrial future.
