Meta has announced plans to construct its first Canadian data centre just northeast of Edmonton, marking the largest such facility in the country. The $13-billion project promises significant job creation and infrastructure upgrades, supporting Alberta’s position as a growing hub for data and AI innovation.
- Largest data centre in Canada with 1GW capacity
- Creates 3,000 construction and 300 permanent jobs
- Includes $60M in local infrastructure investments
What happened
Meta announced plans to build its first Canadian data centre in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, northeast of Edmonton, with a $13-billion investment. The facility will be the largest data centre in Canada, designed with a one-gigawatt capacity tailored for AI applications. Construction is expected to generate approximately 3,000 jobs with an additional 300 permanent roles once operational.
This data centre was initially disclosed last year through partners Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor Asset Management, who are responsible for its construction and power infrastructure. Meta is also contributing $60 million toward local infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to roads and water systems, enhancing the broader community around the site.
Why it matters
Meta’s investment underscores Alberta’s success in attracting large-scale technology infrastructure through a competitive regulatory framework and dedicated government efforts to promote rapid development. The province’s innovation minister highlighted Alberta’s reliable energy supply and market responsiveness as key factors that encouraged Meta’s commitment.
The data centre will connect to Alberta’s electrical grid but will also utilize on-site natural gas-powered generation through a new facility, the Greenlight Electricity Centre, ensuring stable and ample power supply. Meta has committed to offsetting the facility’s energy use with 100% renewable energy, though specific sources remain undisclosed, and it will adhere to provincial environmental regulations, including water use restrictions by employing a liquid-cooled system to maintain sustainability.
What to watch next
Environmental and community impacts of large-scale data centres remain a significant focus, with recent projects in other provinces facing public opposition and political resistance. Monitoring local responses and environmental assessments related to Meta’s Alberta development will be critical to understanding how these concerns are addressed.
Further updates on how Meta will fulfill its renewable energy commitments and manage water use under provincial regulations will also be important. Additionally, observing the broader economic impact, including long-term job creation and the development of Alberta’s AI and data sector, will be key indicators of the project’s success.