Data centre
A data centre is a building full of servers, storage and networking equipment that runs online services. AI data centres pack in thousands of power-hungry chips and need large amounts of electricity and cooling.
In one line, for a 12-year-old
A data centre is a giant warehouse of computers where the internet and AI actually run.
An example
Provinces with cheap hydroelectricity and a cold climate, such as Québec, attract proposals for new AI data centres.
Why it matters to people
Data centres bring investment but compete with homes and industry for power and water. Communities deserve a say in where they're built and what they use.