Crumb
c/canada · by NightOwl@lemmy.ca · 137d

R.M. closes doors on public meeting in Regina as Bell's plan for AI data centre is approved

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/r-m-closes-doors-on-public-meeting-in-regina-as-bells-plan-for-ai-data-centre-is-approved

109 points · 23 comments · view on lemmy.world

23 Comments

cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca · 23 pts · 136d (8 replies)

“Whether people like AI or not, they are probably already using it. We have a good opportunity here to build something. To us, it’s a success story for the province.”

What a poor argument. Yes, they probably already are. Maybe not even by choice.

Go open a browser and Google something. Boom, AI shoved down your throat whether you want it or not.

Open a support ticket. Boom, AI assistant which spews junk answers until you get a real human.

We aren't given a choice sometimes...

eestileib@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 7 pts · 135d

"whether you like slavery or not, fact is that it happens so you might as well participate" fuck you

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · -11 pts · 135d (6 replies)

I can guarantee you data centers like this aren't built for dummies on the internet. They are used to increase professionals productivity, not write emails or wedding speeches.

cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca · 6 pts · 135d (1 reply)

What are you talking about? A datacentre is just a place where ppl host servers. What you do with those servers is anyone's guess.

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · -1 pts · 135d

You do something that creates a return on investment.

queermunist@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 135d (3 replies)

There's basically no evidence they increase productivity.

If AI can make your job easier, you probably don't have a real job.

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · -2 pts · 135d (2 replies)

There's a statement based on nothing.

digital_alchemist@discuss.tchncs.de · 1 pts · 131d (1 reply)

There’s basically no evidence they increase productivity.

source: http://www.nber.org/papers/w34836

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · 0 pts · 131d

The study you cited is basically asking senior executives what they predict the impact of AI will be. Not exactly convincing empirical evidence.

Try these search terms

AI impact on Cancer research

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41698-026-01276-6

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a revolutionary and game-changing tool in modern oncology, with promising uses in early diagnosis and drug discovery. Machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), reinforcement learning (RL), natural language processing (NLP), and generative models are some of the AI methods that are becoming very important for cancer care. With an emphasis on early diagnosis, mutation mapping, and drug design, this article aims to review the existing literature and investigate the role of AI technologies in oncology."

AI impact on vaccine development

  • AI accelerates vaccine development by streamlining antigen selection and immunogen design.

  • Machine learning predicts antigenic epitopes and assesses immunogenicity.

  • Generative models and molecular dynamics enhance immunogen stability and coverage.

There are thousands of other studies.

EatYourOrach@lemmy.ca · 10 pts · 136d

And when the Freedom City brainiacs suck up the last drop of fresh water during fire season to power a monstrosity nobody wants and only makes more work and less security for people, at least Interim Reeve Ray Orb will have the comfort of knowing it wasn't wasted on some useless plant or person.

The R.M. arranged a livestream of the meeting but audio was unavailable until just before council voted unanimously

I want to live in a world where people go to jail for doing shit like this.

[edit to remove ranting about techbros]

ODGreen@lemmy.ca · 8 pts · 136d (1 reply)

There are billboards for Bell's AI around and they are absolutely dystopic. "What if every diagnosis came with a second opinion" oh great, we're gonna get AI slop to contradict trained doctors.

Doubleohdonut@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 136d

Yeah that tv spot is wild too: "the industrial revolution has been net positive for society"

TheFeatureCreature@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 135d

So fucking tired of technofascists.

liverpoolbutter@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 136d (1 reply)

Wow, over half of the council weren't voted in

EatYourOrach@lemmy.ca · 8 pts · 136d

Literally just mocking democracy at this point.

I found more details about when those resignations happened from a link in OP's link:

Feb 9 - council approves a zoning change "to allow the AI data centre to proceed to a design stage"

March 16 - another closed meeting, this time something about ethics complaints

March 18 - 4 of the 7 council members resign and they're all mum about it. Maybe an NDA?

With the four resignations, Sherwood’s council no longer has quorum to conduct any meetings to address regular business. [...] In the meantime, per The Municipalities Act, the Minister of Government Relations will appoint “one or more persons to act as members of council” to meet quorum requirements until the fall.

Also Middle of March, the Bell Canada President and Scott Moe came out and said "the data centre would be moving ahead in this spring."

Now, April 20, another closed-door meeting. "We get so many emails tho." "Oops, our audio was off until the vote part! Our bad!" "Don't worry - they did a self-assessment." It's so blatant, it's almost funny.

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 135d (2 replies)

Some background info:

Bell’s report states the company plans to use an “independent” servicing strategy to ensure the data centre “remains self-sufficient and poses zero risk or cost” to municipal infrastructure or neighbouring landowners. Article content Wastewater is to be managed privately while Bell also plans to build its own on-site power substation, natural gas plant and “renewable energy system,” though no further details were provided. Article content Article content The property must connect to the City of Regina’s water main for “essential” potable water to meet fire safety regulations. The cooling system for the centre’s databanks will otherwise be a closed-loop system, filled separately, according to the report.

sixpaque@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 135d

I feel sorry for government bodies such as cities and municipalities that have to deal with big corporations. Most would have a dozen sharp lawyers on the payroll with a sole purpose to flim-flam smaller communities. Whereas, maybe one 'close to retirement,' lawyer on the government payroll.

eestileib@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 135d

What a wonderful tissue of lies.

skozzii@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 135d (4 replies)

With so much land around,why so close to the city?

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 135d (3 replies)

From the story:

The property must connect to the City of Regina’s water main for “essential” potable water to meet fire safety regulations. The cooling system for the centre’s databanks will otherwise be a closed-loop system, filled separately, according to the report.

WoodScientist@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 135d (2 replies)

What a bunch of horseshit.

Sure, sprinklers are required, but no reason that has to be connected to city water. And if the cooling system is that efficient and closed-loop, they could fill it by trucking in water instead. If they only have to fill it up once with the occasional top-off, filling the system up by tanker truck is a perfectly viable option.

CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca · -1 pts · 135d (1 reply)

Are you disagreeing with municipal bylaws? They seem reasonable to me.

WoodScientist@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 135d

Go back to the original question.