Residents urge pause and stricter rules for proposed Proximity Park data center

Public commenters pressed the Ottawa City Commission on the proposed data center at Proximity Park, asking the city to halt extensions and require stronger local rules. Susan Hughes, speaking during public comment, told commissioners: “Please do not give them an extension next month. Please do not give them any more tax incentives.” Hughes warned of decommissioning costs, hazardous chemicals in process water, and the risk of declining property values near the facility.

Holly Schimer urged the commission to let the current Proximity Park contract expire on August 1 and to adopt detailed, testable regulations rather than general language. “Regulations must include decommissioning,” she said, and recommended requirements such as baseline noise testing, disclosure of on‑site water chemicals, and bans on nondisclosure agreements for city officials and staff. Greg Hernandez and Scott Yergan echoed environmental and transparency concerns, with Hernandez saying the topic had become “very emotional” and noting public skepticism about secret deals and follow‑the‑money transparency.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the data center during the meeting; the comments were received for the record. Staff and commissioners repeatedly noted that a public hearing and clearer regulatory language would be appropriate next steps if the commission changes the current contract timetable.