Alberta faces rising opposition to AI data centre expansion

Protests and public opposition are rising in Alberta regarding the rapid expansion of AI data centres. In Edmonton, over 100 people gathered to protest the provincial and federal governments’ approach to these facilities, specifically citing concerns over water usage and Indigenous rights.

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is challenging a decision to award a 24-million cubic metre water license to the Municipal District of Greenview for the proposed 7.5-gigawatt Wonder Valley data centre near Grande Prairie. The nation argues they were not consulted despite relying on the Smoky River. Chief Sheldon Sunshine raised concerns regarding the cumulative environmental impacts on land, water, and wildlife, noting that Environment Alberta has exempted Wonder Valley from an environmental assessment.

Simultaneously, Alberta municipalities are struggling to manage public backlash. Many residents feel blindsided by large-scale projects, such as Meta’s data centre in Sturgeon County, which was permitted under existing industrial zoning bylaws. While local officials note that land use bylaws often allow such facilities, the scale and cost implications of hyper-scale data centres have led to increased constituent frustration and calls for better communication and consultation processes.