Data centre policy review

Overview

In response to the growing interest in developing data centres across Canada, City staff are undertaking a comprehensive review to assess whether updates to the Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law regulations and development approval framework are needed to make sure they continue to support the City’s planning objectives.

Through the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law, data centres are generally permitted in Employment Areas and are classified as “Warehousing” or “Science and Technology Facilities.” Several data centres are currently operating in the City of Mississauga.

Interim Control By-law

Staff are also preparing an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) to prohibit, for up to one year, the development of major digital infrastructure projects, such as data centres, following the approved Council motion.

An ICBL is a tool under the Planning Act that allows a municipality to temporarily pause development of a certain use in a certain area for one year while the City reviews planning policies to determine the best long-term approach.

In this case, approval of the development of digital infrastructure projects (including data centres) will be paused in Mississauga while the City studies the land use planning implications of data centres.

Current development application

The City received a rezoning application for 0 Tenth Line West to allow the development of a two-storey, 20,439 square metre (220,000 square foot) data centre.

The Planning and Development Committee asked staff to work on outstanding issues in engineering, servicing and storm water management, building design and layout.

Visit the active development application page for the current status.

Public engagement

We will add information here on any upcoming engagement opportunities.

To learn more about the typical city planning process and how to get involved, visit the Guide to city planning and development.

Project contact

If you have any questions or comments about the data centre policy review project, email datacentre.review@mississauga.ca.