# B.C. Parties Debate AI Data Centre Approvals

During British Columbia’s 2026 election debate, the B.C. Green Party proposed pausing AI data centre development pending a public-interest audit and stronger oversight, while the B.C. NDP announced water-use rules and community-engagement measures. The competing approaches leave approval conditions uncertain for Telus’s planned three-centre project, which is expected to require 150 MW by 2032. For contractors and infrastructure providers, the outcome could affect project approvals, power availability, water reporting, and requirements for public consultation.

- Telus and its contractors should account for the project’s projected 150 MW demand when evaluating power capacity and infrastructure needs.
- Data centre developers and service providers should factor potential water-use reporting and community-engagement measures into project planning; the Greens’ proposed pause and audit are proposals, not established requirements.
- Energy, water, engineering, and data centre infrastructure firms may find opportunities tied to facility development, utility capacity, water-use measurement, and public-interest oversight.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Information Technology, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of British Columbia (B.C.)
- BC Hydro
- Government of Canada

### Vendors
- Telus (Data centre project proponent)

### Key Quotes
> new water rules will tell communities how much water a data centre uses after it’s built but won’t say if they can say no to a data centre before it’s approved.
> — Emily Lowan, B.C. Green Party Leader

### Sources
- [BC Greens say public must have a say whether AI data centres get built  - Victoria Times Colonist](https://www.timescolonist.com/2026-bc-votes/bc-greens-say-public-must-have-a-say-whether-ai-data-centres-get-built-12883522) - Times Colonist