Ontario unveils new data centre framework amid calls for moratoriums
The framework would steer new projects toward jobs, community investments and higher electricity charges for large data centres.
- On Thursday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched the province's new Data Centre Playbook, opening a 30-day public consultation beginning August 13, 2026 to regulate how large-scale data facilities connect to the electricity grid.
- Municipalities across Ontario have implemented or considered moratoriums on data centre construction due to electricity capacity concerns, with Oakville enacting a one-year ban on Tuesday.
- Under the new rules, data centres consuming more than 1 megawatt must pay a higher electricity rate than other industrial users, encouraging developers to build their own power-generation facilities.
- Ford stated the Playbook will "ensure Canadians' data remains in Canada," while requiring projects to demonstrate local economic benefits and meet environmental standards for water consumption and noise.
- Projections show the framework could drive $122 billion in economic growth by 2035, with Ontario planning to finalize the strategy following the public input period and further local study.
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Ford to municipalities opposing data centres: 'Either we do it, or Donald Trump's going to do it'
Ontario's premier was in Guelph at a provincial data centre to announce the province’s framework for its Data Centre Playbook, which is open for public comment for 30 days.
Ontario unveils new data centre framework amid calls for moratoriums
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Guelph Thursday to announce the province's new data centre framework. The framework will serve as the basis for data centre approvals in the province. The announcement comes amid widespread calls for data centre moratoriums in Ontario.
Ontario Launches Data Centre Playbook
Aug. 13, 2026, Ontario — The government of Ontario has launched a framework for its Data Centre Playbook with the aim of attracting data centre investments, ensuring Canadians’ data remains in Canada and deliver benefits to local communities. This framework will reportedly ensure data centres pay the full cost of electricity, with the government only offering non-financial support to attract investments. “Ontario has a choice: we can build the e…
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