We support communities in shaping and evaluating how digital infrastructure, specifically data centres, can be developed responsibly to ensure long-term community benefits and lasting public support. 

Data centres are the critical infrastructure behind the internet services and computing we rely on every day, as fundamental to our economy as roads and electricity. Much of the recent growth in demand is being driven by the rapid expansion of AI. Building capacity in Canada matters for our sovereignty and competitiveness. But large-scale development creates real concerns about local value, water usage, energy rates, noise, and several other issues. Equally important, it is clear that trust in the big technology companies and the products they are making is degrading. Communities being asked to host data centres are often left to weigh the pros and cons quickly, and without a clear, neutral place to turn. 

CORD believes that we need a new social contract between digital infrastructure and the communities that host it. As an independent, not-for-profit centre, we start by listening to communities, including municipal councils and planning staff, and community group leaders, who are currently least well served. Additionally, we work with data centre companies to set clear standards for what responsible development and operations look like: early engagement, community benefit, responsible use of energy and water, transparent reporting, and long-term community participation.