AI Data Center Approved in Rural Alberta | Calgary News

Vulcan County just approved a massive 350-hectare rezoning for a potential 1,000-megawatt AI data center, sparking both excitement and concern. Developer Eric Steeves, a fifth-generation farmer, is moving forward with grid connections and plans to submit applications this fall, targeting a development permit next spring. Despite public pushback over water use, noise, and scale, Steeves remains committed, citing the community’s potential benefit. The site’s proximity to solar energy and a transmission line, plus a water supply agreement with the Bow River Irrigation District, addresses key concerns. With homes over a kilometer away, the county’s reeve reaffirmed their openness to business — but stressed decisions hinge on project quality and impact, not just economics. Rural Alberta, with its vast land, is poised to become the new hub for data centers. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/853dd87c549f7537