ACORN Hamilton joins fight against AI data centres
Posted June 19, 2026
On June 4, Hamilton ACORN joined hundreds of allies and neighbours at city hall to oppose the proposed AI data centre in Ward 3 by Slate Asset Management.
The week before, members and Hamiltonians alike were shocked to learn that Slate was attempting to sever former Stelco industrial lands to build a 188 acre hyperscaler data centre. The east end, Stoney Creek, and downtown chapters immediately bounced into action, voting overwhelmingly in favour of opposing the construction.
And so, members showed up to city hall June 4th at 8:30 AM to protest, joining hundreds of city residents in a beautiful moment of solidarity. When 9:30 came, the crowd dispersed into the building to begin delegations. The mood in the chamber was at times chaotic, angry, and fearful; but hopeful at the core.
Delegations lasted the entire day, and included many ACORN members, such as downtown co-chair Marc Davignon. A decision was announced in the early evening– all were in favour of denying the application to sever (3-0)!
Two weeks later, on June 15, city council voted to pursue a moratorium on the construction of new data centres within the city with a unanimous vote of 9-0.
Forty members and allies once again picketed, crowded into the council chambers, and delegated for hours on end, resulting in a win that has Hamilton residents breathing a collective sigh of relief– for now.
The temporary bylaw restricts the construction of new data centres until the completion of land use studies, evaluation of zoning regulations, and an improved review process and municipal framework to account for the unprecedented nature of these builds (as well as their immense controversy). This includes a comprehensive look into the effect on Hamilton’s power grid, impacts on drinking water, noise pollution, and legal options should the provincial or federal government attempt to force construction. Much of what is being investigated pertains to Hamilton ACORN’s own concerns– the heat domes created by data centres, the risk to drinking water, and the outstanding effect on hydro bills in the area.
The bylaw will be in effect for up to 12 months, so while the fight is not yet over, members and city residents are overjoyed with both the solidarity displayed and the victories. Hamilton ACORN will continue to monitor the situation as it develops, hopefully now much slower than before.
