Dogs, Data Centres & Discoveries: July 2026
We take a look at Tilly, a scent-trained Labrador sniffing out invasive species in Ontario; new data centres coming to the Halton Region, and we tell the story of an accidental birder.
JULY IN REVIEW
Howdy everyone, I hope you have all been doing well.
Summer has brought a return of wildfire smoke, which blanketed much of the province earlier this month. At one point, Toronto had the worst air quality in the world. The smoke arrived during yet another summer heatwave, highlighting how these extreme conditions are becoming increasingly familiar across Ontario. I’d encourage you to read The Narwhal’s latest article on the topic.
This month, we’re featuring Tilly, a scent-trained Labrador Retriever who helps an Ontario Conservation Authority detect invasive species. We recently saw her in action during a live demonstration. Read all about her work in July’s feature article.
Specifically for Halton Region residents, we have news about a proposed data centre in Burlington and possibly another on the horizon in Oakville. Additionally, the Region of Halton advised this month that mosquitoes it trapped tested positive for West Nile virus.
Lastly, building on my photo essay from our June edition, Hayley has a Field Note this month about how she became an unintentional birder after a trip to Point Pelee National Park, which has since become an annual trip for the two of us.
Until the next one
-Greg
Burlington receives data centre application; Oakville responds to speculation about an AI facility
Municipalities across the Halton Region have been buzzing with discussions about Data Centres, as Burlington has its first proposal while another is on the horizon in Oakville.
Data centres have been attracting increasing public attention due to their significant electricity and water use, noise impacts, and overall effects on the environment.
In Burlington, the City has received an application for a proposed data centre at 3110 South Service Rd, the former location of Tucker’s Marketplace. The proposed facility would be a two-storey data centre with a floor area of roughly 5,163 metres, according to the development proposal.
The proposal does not identify the applicant publicly. The project is being represented by Powell Planning & Associates, an urban planning firm, and would require 20 MW of electrical capacity.
Mayor of Burlington, Marianne Meed Ward, also posted to her website regarding the proposal, stating that the facility “will be air-cooled” and “not use water.” This is because the Region of Halton has bylaws prohibiting municipal water from being used for cooling, it reads.
The City of Burlington has set up a webpage for more information: https://www.burlington.ca/en/news/council-news-and-events/data-centres.aspx
Meanwhile, in nearby Oakville, claims that an AI data centre could be coming began after a real estate listing included a line that said:
Most recently the 25 acres of vacant land to the north [of the listing], located at 3480 Ninth Line, has been purchased by HIVE BUZZ HPC (High Performance Computing) a division of HIVE Digital Technologies for the development of a 320 MW AI Infrastructure data center that is aiming to be operational in the second half 2027.
However, the Town of Oakville says that no applications have been received, according to a response published July 17 on the Town's website. “The Town of Oakville is aware that lands may be under consideration by a proponent for a data centre. However, no development application has been submitted to the Town. As a result, the statutory public planning process has not commenced,” it read.
The Town of Oakville has also set up a webpage for more information:
https://www.oakville.ca/business-development/planning-development/data-centres/
THE FIELD & SHUTTER PRESS
FEATURES & INVESTIGATIONS
Scent-trained Labrador Retriever sniffs out invasive species before they spread
To protect ecosystems within the Credit Valley watershed from devastating pests, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is turning to a powerful biological tool: a dog’s nose.
CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE NEWS
Halton Region detects first West Nile virus positive mosquito pool of 2026
As the summer heat sets in, public health officials at Halton Region have confirmed the first positive mosquito pool of the season in Oakville during the week of June 29, prompting reminders for residents to drain standing water and take precautions against mosquito bites.
FIELD NOTES & PERSPECTIVES
Finding Sanctuary at Point Pelee National Park
When Greg and I started dating, he suggested a trip to Point Pelee National Park. I had never heard of the park before that point, and wasn’t much of an outdoor enthusiast yet anyway. The idea of driving out of our city just to look at birds nearly bored me to tears. But as a nature photographer, visiting Point Pelee was a bucket list trip for Greg.
IN OTHER NEWS
In the “In Other News” section, we’ll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
18-year-old pilot flies five orphaned trumpeter swan cygnets from Thunder Bay to Burlington
Published on: 07/JULY/2026
The orphaned cygnets were flown to Burlington so Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario can rehabilitate them. Click here to read more
Famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Quest documented for the first time
Published on: 08/JULY/2026
An expedition led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in the Labrador Sea has captured the first images of the ship Quest, which Sir Ernest Shackleton used during his final voyage and upon which he died. Click here to read more
Anaplasmosis is also on the rise, say doctors, as tick activity in Ontario remains high
Published on: 14/JULY/2026
Lyme Disease isn’t the only threat Ontario’s ticks pose; Anaplasmosis is also on the rise, with over 50 cases this year. Click here to read more
Follow The Field & Shutter Press
Instagram | YouTube | BlueSky
Have a tip, story idea, event, or want to appear as a guest column? Contact us.