Nearly 200 people packed an EverWind open house in D’Escousse on Tuesday night. Those who attended remained calm and were eager to learn more about the company’s proposed $10 billion data centre campus planned for Point Tupper.
The large turnout reflects growing public interest in a project that could become one of the biggest industrial developments in Nova Scotia’s history.
At the event, company representatives outlined plans for the two-phase development and responded to questions about water and power demands, environmental impacts and the project’s potential effect on local communities.
EverWind’s proposal includes two data centres, with the first phase requiring 95 megawatts of electricity and the second 325 megawatts. During the session, Director of Engagement Mark Stewart addressed a range of concerns, while outlining what the company says it hopes to deliver as the project advances through planning and regulatory approvals.
Green hydrogen project remains in the plans
Residents questioned why the original green hydrogen and ammonia project has yet to become operational, despite earlier production targets, despite being announced almost three years ago.
Stewart said the market is heavily influenced by European regulations and that delays in implementing those requirements have affected the project’s timeline.
He told residents: “We continue to progress that, but those time frames are really outside of our control.”
The company says it has not abandoned green hydrogen and is continuing to advance the project.
Water and electricity costs
Water use was another major topic. EverWind says its proposed data centres would use a closed-loop cooling system, with preliminary estimates placing water requirements at approximately 1.5 per cent of Landrie Lake’s safe daily yield.
Stewart was clear about where that water would go: “Nothing goes back into a lake.” He said water would be withdrawn from Landrie Lake, with additional requirements during hotter summer periods. Wastewater management would take place off-site through a licensed service provider.
On electricity costs, Stewart said EverWind would cover expenses associated with its projects and grid connections, adding that no costs would be passed on to ratepayers. He also described the data centre as an interruptible customer, meaning its electricity use could be reduced during periods when Nova Scotians need power most. The company says backup generation and batteries will also help manage demand.
Community benefits and local employment
Stewart outlined a commitment to tens of millions of dollars in community benefit funding. He said the company is developing a structure that would allow local residents to help determine where the money is spent, potentially supporting community halls, events, housing and infrastructure.
On employment, Stewart said the company intends to prioritize workers from the region.
“It’s our interest to hire local first, pull from local union halls first, and then continue to expand that out,” he said.
He also committed to organizing future supplier sessions to explain opportunities for local contractors and businesses.
Will Anthropic meet with residents?
Residents asked whether representatives from Anthropic, the proposed Phase One tenant, would attend future community sessions.
Stewart said he had spoken with the company and that its representatives were interested in getting to know the communities. He acknowledged that some questions could only be answered directly by Anthropic.
His commitment to residents was straightforward: “I’ll take that away, and that’s my commitment from here.”
Meanwhile, Premier Tim Houston is happy with last night’s public consultation, describing the open house as “calm and respectful”. He added, “that there are no answers that would satisfy some people on this file, but we’re just trying to make sure we follow the science.”
EverWind says the open houses are the beginning of an ongoing engagement process, with more detailed discussions expected as the proposal advances.
The next open house is scheduled for November 4 at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River. Doors open at 5pm.
