Petition to Oakville Town Council
Adopt an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) for Large-Scale Data Centres
To the Mayor and Members of Oakville

Town Council:

We, the undersigned residents and property owners of Oakville, respectfully request that Oakville Town Council immediately adopt an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) under the Ontario Planning Act to temporarily pause the approval of new large-scale data centre developments while the Town completes a comprehensive study and develops policies that protect our community.

Artificial intelligence and cloud computing are driving unprecedented demand for hyperscale data centres. These facilities can require enormous amounts of electricity, water, backup generators, cooling systems and supporting infrastructure. Once approved, their impacts can be long-lasting.

An Interim Control By-law would not prohibit data centres. It would provide Council with the time needed to:

-Assess the cumulative impacts of hyperscale data centres on surrounding neighbourhoods.
-Develop appropriate land-use policies and zoning standards.
-Review potential impacts related to noise, emergency power generation, visual character, infrastructure capacity and environmental considerations.
-Consult with residents, technical experts, utilities, emergency services and neighbouring municipalities.
-Ensure that any future developments align with Oakville's long-term planning objectives.

Other Ontario municipalities (notably Mississauga) have recognized the need to pause and study these developments before permitting them. Oakville should take the same prudent approach.

Residents deserve confidence that decisions involving infrastructure of this scale are made only after transparent public consultation and evidence-based planning.

We respectfully ask Council to pass an Interim Control By-law before considering approvals for future hyperscale data centre developments.

Protect our community today while planning responsibly for tomorrow.

We therefore call upon Oakville Town Council to:

-Pass an Interim Control By-law for large-scale data centre developments.
-Conduct a comprehensive planning study during the ICBL period.
-Engage residents through meaningful public consultation before adopting permanent policies.
-Develop clear zoning and performance standards that protect Oakville neighbourhoods while supporting responsible economic development.
Together, we ask Council to put thoughtful planning before irreversible decisions.