600 Permanent Positions Targeted for Full Campus

A multi-billion-dollar development proposed for Miramichi could generate 600 permanent positions while helping stabilize power rates across New Brunswick, according to presentation details delivered to city council. Fredericton-based FTL, short for “Faster Than Light,” outlined plans for a $2.7 billion AI-capable colocation data centre that would host diverse tenants, including banking institutions, government entities, and defence contractors.

If the project advances, the initial phase envisions a 100-megawatt facility targeted to open by late 2027, creating 150 permanent jobs. A planned expansion by 2030 would scale the operation to 375 megawatts, adding 2,000 temporary construction jobs alongside the remaining permanent staff roles spanning management, security, and technical operations.

Site Selection and Environmental Considerations

The developer is seeking approximately 100 acres of land with pre-existing heavy industrial zoning, road access, utilities, and nearby rail and highway links. Chief Executive Officer Josh Vautour stated that selecting locations with existing infrastructure helps limit impacts on local habitats, wetlands, and watercourses. He noted that the initial 100-megawatt phase is projected to consume about two million litres of water across a five-year period, adding that sound from the facility would be inaudible past 150 metres.

The company stated that its ownership structure includes a 25 per cent stake reserved for one or more Indigenous partners, along with commitments to First Nation employment. To address data sovereignty, FTL’s shareholder agreement ensures Canadian voting control and mandates that Canadians comprise over half of its board of directors.

Community Reactions and Public Engagement

Data centre developments have sparked public controversy across North America over energy demands, noise, water usage, and artificial intelligence expansion. In Lorneville, near Saint John, proposals by VoltaGrid and Beacon AI Centres faced opposition over the past year. In response to recent online discussions regarding the Miramichi proposal, Coun. Lori Hatchett posted on Facebook that no decisions have been made to rezone land for AI data centres, urging residents to bring forward fact-based concerns.

City officials clarified that FTL’s presentation was purely informational, with no immediate public engagement process triggered. Vautour stated that the company plans to hold engagement sessions in the coming weeks to present facts regarding water usage, energy consumption, and environmental design choices directly to residents.