Alberta data centre projects spark community debate

Capital Power Corp. CEO Avik Dey highlighted a recent Leger poll showing Canadians divided on data centre development—46% view it positively while 37% are opposed, and four‑in‑five worry about higher utility bills. Dey said the results underscore the need for thorough community engagement as the province pursues large‑scale projects.

Meta Platforms Inc. announced a $13 billion data centre complex north of Edmonton, to be supported by a new gas‑fired power plant. The company has also secured power supply agreements with Capital Power.

In Olds, the Synapse project proposes a $10 billion data centre and a 1.4‑MW natural‑gas generation facility. Nearly 1,500 individuals and groups have registered to participate in an Alberta Utilities Commission hearing, and the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas agency has invited public statements of concern. Olds Mayor Dan Daley stressed the importance of local input and warned that the project must be built safely and without community disruption.