Why this matters

The District of Mackenzie has asked the Province to create a new property tax classification for AI data centres. We believe this is an important conversation for every British Columbia community that may host AI infrastructure in the future.

This petition supports responsible AI development while advocating for fair taxation, transparency, and stronger communities.

Petition to the Government of British Columbia

British Columbia is rapidly becoming a destination for large-scale AI data centres. Our clean hydroelectric power, cool climate, skilled workforce, and existing industrial infrastructure make our province an attractive place for investment in artificial intelligence.

AI has the potential to create economic growth, innovation, and high-quality employment opportunities that benefit communities across British Columbia.

However, these facilities also rely on public infrastructure and municipal services, including electrical infrastructure, transportation networks, emergency services, land-use planning, and other community resources.

The current property tax framework was developed before the emergence of AI-scale data centres and may not adequately reflect the scale, economic value, and infrastructure demands of these facilities.

Municipalities hosting these projects should receive a fair and predictable share of the long-term economic benefits they help make possible.

The District of Mackenzie has already asked the Province to create a new property tax classification for large AI data centres. We support that request and encourage the Province to work with municipalities across British Columbia to modernize the property tax system so it reflects this rapidly growing industry.

This petition is not opposed to AI development.

We support responsible innovation while ensuring that communities hosting these facilities receive a fair return that helps fund the infrastructure and services residents depend on.

A modern property tax framework could help communities invest in:

• Roads and bridges

• Recreation facilities and parks

• Emergency and protective services

• Housing and community development

• Water and sewer infrastructure where applicable

• Public amenities

• Economic diversification and long-term community resilience

We respectfully call upon the Government of British Columbia to:

Create a dedicated provincial property tax classification for large AI data centres.
Review current assessment and taxation practices to ensure they appropriately reflect the scale, economic value, and infrastructure demands of AI computing facilities.
Work collaboratively with municipalities, First Nations, BC Assessment, industry, and the public to develop a fair, transparent, and sustainable taxation framework.
Ensure that communities hosting AI data centres receive an appropriate share of the long-term economic benefits these facilities generate.

Artificial intelligence is helping shape the future of British Columbia.

Let’s ensure the communities that provide the land, power, infrastructure, and services to support this industry also share fairly in its success.

Please sign this petition to support a modern, fair property tax framework for AI data centres in British Columbia. Every signature helps demonstrate that British Columbians support responsible AI development alongside fair taxation for the communities that make it possible.

Clarification on the Scope of This Petition

This petition is focused solely on taxation.

It does not address broader debates about AI, including its benefits or risks, copyright, employment impacts, environmental concerns, or whether data centres should be built. Those are important discussions, but they are outside the scope of this petition.

The purpose here is straightforward:

If AI data centres operate in British Columbia, the communities that host them should receive a fair share of the financial benefits through an appropriate property tax framework.

This principle applies regardless of one’s views on AI.

Those who support AI can see this as a way to ensure that local communities benefit from hosting major infrastructure without restricting development. Those who are skeptical or opposed may agree that, if such facilities are built, communities should at least receive fair compensation for the land, services, and infrastructure they provide.

This petition asks for agreement on a single point:

If AI data centres operate in BC, local communities should benefit fairly from them.

If you support that principle, your signature and help sharing the petition would be appreciated.