Josh Bourget expresses concern over the increasing number of data centers being established in the region. As a resident of Sexsmith, Alta., he is troubled by a recently approved permit for a new data center close to his town. The County of Grande Prairie granted the permit for a proposed data center in the Emerson Trail area, including a data processing facility, five accessory buildings, and multiple generators and cooling units.
Bourget is worried about potential noise pollution, strain on the electricity grid, and the impact on property values if the project moves forward. He mentions that residents had a limited timeframe to appeal the decision with the Land of Property Rights Tribunal, and he only became aware of the permit through social media discussions shortly before the deadline.
County Reeve Amanda McDonald explained that the permit was issued based on a 2003 land use bylaw that categorizes data processing establishments as permitted use under rural medium industrial zoning. The approval was granted administratively without council review, and residents were not formally notified due to the existing bylaw requirements. McDonald emphasized that the county is reviewing the process and considering amending the bylaw to involve residents in future decisions regarding data centers.
The purpose of the proposed data center, whether for AI data processing, crypto mining, or other activities, remains unclear. The company behind the development permit application, Tower Services and Contracting Ltd., has not provided further details. The Alberta government disclosed that 107 appeals were lodged regarding the development, and a hearing will be scheduled within 30 days to assess the project.
Residents, including Bourget, are concerned about the lack of transparency and community engagement in the approval process. The council plans to discuss potential changes to the bylaw to address these issues during a meeting on October 5. Bourget expressed frustration at the bureaucratic hurdles involved in the appeal process, feeling that residents were not adequately informed or involved in the decision-making process.