Oakville's Data Centre Restrictions Hold as Planning Review Continues

Oakville's temporary restriction on new data centres is staying put. The appeal period on Interim Control By-law 2026-129 has closed with no appeals received, so the by-law council approved on August 11 remains in force while town staff work through a review of the planning rules for these facilities.

The by-law restricts new data centre development in specific areas of town for up to one year. It is not a permanent prohibition. What it buys is time to examine how the facilities operate and decide whether Oakville's planning framework needs to change.

The review is looking at land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, electricity and water demands, noise and environmental impacts, and the respective roles of municipalities and other agencies in planning for these buildings.

No formal development application for a data centre has been filed with the town. Staff will continue the review and provide updates as the work progresses.