AI data centres have become a prominent issue at municipal city halls ahead of the October 26 municipal election (and just about everywhere else!). Here’s what the public record shows about how local municipal councillors have approached the issue in four municipalities: Hamilton, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto.
Hamilton
Council rejected a one-year pause, 10–6
Council initially voted 15–1 in June 2026 to have a temporary bylaw drafted, but the final July 15 vote was far more divided.
- Cameron KroetschWard 2
- Nrinder NannWard 3
- Matt FrancisWard 5
- Tom JacksonWard 6
- Esther PaulsWard 7
- Alex WilsonWard 13
- Andrea HorwathMayor
- Maureen WilsonWard 1
- Tammy HwangWard 4
- Rob CooperWard 8
- Brad ClarkWard 9
- Jeff BeattieWard 10
- Mark TadesonWard 11
- Craig CassarWard 12
- Mike SpadaforaWard 14
- Ted McMeekinWard 15
Oakville
Council unanimously approved a one-year pause
There was no split vote, but two politicians played notable roles.
- Rob BurtonMayorStarted the process to pause new development while Oakville develops clearer rules.
- Tom AdamsWard 6Supported the pause, saying the Town needed more time to study impacts on land, infrastructure, electricity and water.
Mississauga
Council unanimously backed a one-year pause
- Martin ReidWard 9Sponsored the motion to pause major projects while Mississauga reviews its planning and zoning rules.
- Carolyn ParrishMayorDid not vote, but acknowledged residents’ concerns while also raising the potential impact on tax revenue and investment.
- Alvin TedjoCouncillor & mayoral candidateHas been involved in the debate over safeguards and the economic impacts of data centres.
- George TavaresWard 7 candidateHas raised concerns about how much public infrastructure large facilities consume.
Toronto
No moratorium; Council chose greater oversight
Rather than pausing development, Toronto has moved toward greater oversight while its city-wide review continues.
- Rachel Chernos LinWard 15Introduced the original motion launching Toronto’s AI data centre review.
- Parthi KandavelWard 20Introduced the July motion tying approvals to the ongoing review and pushed for a province-wide framework.
- Dianne SaxeWard 11Seconded both motions.
- Vincent CrisantiWard 1Introduced a separate motion focused specifically on the proposed 48 Lowe’s Place project.
- Stephen HolydayWard 2Seconded Crisanti’s motion.
What the record shows
These records do not necessarily tell voters whether a politician is broadly “for” or “against” AI data centres. A mayor or councillor can oppose a moratorium while supporting additional regulation, or support a temporary pause without opposing future development.
What they do provide is a clearer picture of how local politicians have approached the issue as it has emerged at city halls across Ontario. And with several municipal data centre reviews continuing into 2027, many of the politicians elected on October 26 will help decide what comes next.