Petition to the Government of British Columbia

Municipal governments across Northern British Columbia have adopted a resolution calling on the Province of British Columbia and BC Assessment to review how high-energy digital infrastructure is classified for property taxation. The resolution will also be considered at the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, where municipalities from across the province will have the opportunity to debate it.

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.

As far as I can determine, this is the only Change.org petition focused on fair taxation of AI data centres in British Columbia.

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

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 computing facilities and may not adequately reflect the scale, economic value, and infrastructure demands of this rapidly growing industry.

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

This petition supports the resolution adopted by the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) and encourages the Province of British Columbia and BC Assessment to review the property tax classification of high-energy digital infrastructure, including AI compute centres, high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, and cryptocurrency mining facilities. The goal is to ensure these facilities are classified appropriately within existing property tax classes so that taxation more accurately reflects their infrastructure demands and economic impact.

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

• Conservation and habitat protection

• 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 and BC Assessment to:

• Review the property tax classification of high-energy digital infrastructure, including AI compute centres, high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, and cryptocurrency mining facilities.

• Consider classifying these facilities within existing property tax classes, such as Utilities or Class 5 (Light Industry), where appropriate, so their taxation better reflects their infrastructure demands and economic impact.

• Work collaboratively with municipalities, First Nations, BC Assessment, industry, and the public to develop a fair, transparent, and sustainable property tax framework.

• Ensure that communities hosting these facilities receive an appropriate share of the long-term economic benefits they help make possible.

Artificial intelligence is helping shape the future of British Columbia.

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

Please sign this petition to support a fair and modern property tax framework for high-energy digital infrastructure in British Columbia. Every signature helps demonstrate that British Columbians support responsible innovation alongside fair taxation for the communities that make it possible.

Clarification on the Scope of This Petition

This petition is focused solely on property taxation.

It does not address broader debates about artificial intelligence, 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 high-energy digital infrastructure, including AI data centres, operates in British Columbia, the communities that host these facilities 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 may see this as a way to ensure 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 one simple principle:

If AI data centres and similar high-energy digital infrastructure operate in British Columbia, the communities that host them should benefit fairly from them.

If you support that principle, please sign and share this petition.