A grassroots movement is building against Meta's ambitious plan to construct its first Canadian data centre in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton, with dozens taking to the streets to voice concerns about the tech giant's $13-billion-plus investment.
The facility, announced last month, represents a significant bet by Meta on Canadian infrastructure as artificial intelligence continues reshaping the technology landscape. The one-gigawatt data centre is slated to come online within two to three years, but local organizers say the project poses serious environmental and economic risks.
Water and Energy Concerns Mount
Ben Baril, a 20-year-old organizer spearheading the Morinville protest effort, has emerged as a vocal critic of the development. Baril argues the sprawling facility will place unsustainable pressure on Alberta's already-stretched water supply and electrical grid while accelerating climate impacts in coming decades.
"This isn't just about one data centre," Baril told supporters gathering in the Sturgeon County community. "It's about the precedent we're setting for tech expansion across Canada and who pays the real cost."
Job Losses and AI Expansion
Protesters are also raising alarms about the broader implications of artificial intelligence proliferation, contending that massive data infrastructure will displace workers rather than create sustainable employment opportunities. The movement has connected with similar concerns echoing across Canadian tech hubs.
Government Support and Energy Solutions
Despite community pushback, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has endorsed the project, emphasizing that the province's grid operator will tap surplus energy capacity to supply the facility initially. The long-term power solution involves the Greenlight Electricity Centre, a natural gas-fired plant scheduled to begin operations in 2030.
The power plant is being developed through a partnership between Pembina Pipeline Corp., Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, and Kineticor Asset Management—a move Smith characterizes as a practical energy strategy for the province.
What's Next
As Meta moves forward with construction plans, the tension between economic development and environmental stewardship continues to define Alberta's technology future. Community organizers say they will maintain pressure on provincial and federal authorities to address sustainability questions before the project reaches completion.
This article is based on reporting from Global News. Read their full coverage at globalnews.ca.