The potential construction of AI data centres in Parkland County poses significant concerns for our community and environment. These data centres require massive amounts of electricity, primarily due to the energy-intensive process of training large AI models. While Canada, with its abundant hydroelectric resources, may seem an ideal location for such developments, including provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba, the drawbacks cannot be ignored.

Firstly, the enormous electricity demand from these centres could strain local grids, threatening the stability and reliability of power supplies to surrounding areas. This could lead to potential blackouts or brownouts, significantly affecting our daily lives and local businesses that rely on consistent and affordable energy.

Moreover, the competition for electricity may drive up costs for residential and industrial consumers, forcing families and small businesses to bear higher utility bills, an untenable outcome for many. In addition, utilities might need to enact costly upgrades and expansions to accommodate the increased demand, potentially funded by taxpayer or ratepayer money. This situation would render our community part of an unsustainable "digital prison."

The impact on Parkland County’s countryside cannot be overstated. The area’s natural landscapes are at risk of being marred by industrial structures, affecting local biodiversity and the aesthetic value of our environment. The noise and light pollution often associated with data centres will disrupt the serene surroundings that many of us cherish.

We must take action to protect our community, environment, and the future of Parkland County. We urge local authorities and decision-makers to reconsider permitting the establishment of AI data centres in our county. Sustainable and balanced growth should prioritize community welfare and environmental conservation over incongruent industrial endeavors.

We need to preserve our way of life and ensure that our resources are utilized wisely without succumbing to pressures from technological expansions that offer limited local benefits.

Please join us in opposing the construction of AI data centres in Parkland County. Stand with us to protect our community from the looming threat of becoming prisoners to unsustainable and resource-heavy technology developments. Sign this petition today to safeguard our homes and heritage.