The tech giant's first Canadian facility aims to support AI expansion and create thousands of jobs
Category: Business
In a landmark announcement, Meta Platforms has revealed plans to construct its first data centre in Canada, a massive project set to cost approximately C$13 billion (about $9.17 billion USD). The facility, which will be located in Sturgeon County, Alberta, is part of a broader strategy to expand computing capacity in response to the global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This development marks a key moment for Alberta as it seeks to position itself as a hub for tech investments.
On July 8, 2026, Meta executives, including Vice President Gary Demasi, made the announcement during a press conference in Calgary alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and other provincial officials. The planned data centre will boast a capacity of one gigawatt, with the potential to expand to 1.8 gigawatts, making it Meta's 33rd data centre globally and its first in Canada.
“This is the first of its kind, the first of its size, the first of its scale, but it won't be the last,” said Alberta's technology minister, Nate Glubish, emphasizing the significance of the project for the province's economic growth.
Meta's decision to invest heavily in Alberta is driven by several factors. The province offers a reliable supply of natural gas, which is expected to provide cheaper energy compared to alternatives. Alberta's cold climate is another advantage, as it allows for more efficient cooling of the data centre's massive super-computers.
According to reports, the data centre will consume as much electricity as approximately 800,000 homes, but Meta has committed to offsetting this demand through investments in renewable energy sources. The company will also fully fund new generation and grid infrastructure required for the facility.
In partnership with Pembina Pipeline, Meta plans to utilize a new natural gas-fired power generation facility, the Greenlight Electricity Centre, which is expected to be operational by late 2030. This collaboration aims to secure a long-term energy supply for the data centre, which will require about 150 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
The construction of this data centre is projected to create around 3,000 construction jobs and support approximately 300 operational positions once completed. Local officials have expressed optimism about the economic benefits, with Premier Smith estimating the project could generate at least $250 million annually for Alberta.
“Meta is committing to build what will be one of the largest data centre campuses in North America,” said Glubish, highlighting the project's potential to attract more tech investments to the province. The announcement comes as Alberta aims to draw over $100 billion in tech investments by 2030, positioning itself as a competitive player in the global tech market.
As the project progresses, it will be subject to various permitting and approval processes. Environmental concerns have already been raised, particularly about the reliance on natural gas and the implications for emissions. Critics, including environmentalists, argue that such large-scale data centres could exacerbate existing energy demands and impact local resources.
“We need a moratorium on mega-data centers until we have legislated environmental and human rights protections on AI,” stated Keith Stewart of Greenpeace Canada, voicing concerns over the environmental impact of such developments.
In response to these concerns, Meta has assured that the data centre will employ a closed-loop liquid cooling system, minimizing water usage to less than that of a typical golf course. This commitment reflects Meta's broader sustainability goals, including a target to be water-positive by 2030.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion timelines typically spanning a few years for projects of this scale. As Meta embarks on this ambitious venture, the eyes of the tech industry will be closely watching to see how Alberta's strategy to attract tech giants evolves and whether it can sustain such developments without straining local resources.
With Alberta's energy market now fully deregulated, the province is aiming to balance the demands of tech investments with environmental sustainability. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for future data centre developments in Canada and beyond.
As Meta moves forward, the implications of this investment will likely resonate throughout the tech community, potentially influencing other companies to explore opportunities in Alberta's burgeoning tech sector.