A data centre is a secure, purpose-built facility that houses computer servers and networking equipment used to store, process, and transmit digital information. Data centres support services such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence tools, online platforms, telecommunications, and digital records.
Data Centre Development
Want The Most Up To Date Information?
We have created a Data Centre Webpage on Engage Olds and will be making regular updates there as more information becomes available.
You can find an overview of the proposed data centre project development in Olds and see opportunities for public participation there.
The Town of Olds is working to position itself as a location that can support data centre development, building on our long-standing leadership in digital infrastructure and innovation. This approach aligns with provincial priorities to attract data centres and support the growth of Alberta’s technology and artificial intelligence (AI) sector, an area that will be an important driver of future economic growth and diversification.
As interest in data centres increases, the Town is committed to communicating openly, engaging with residents, and ensuring that any proposed developments are reviewed carefully through established regulatory and planning processes. While data centres are private-sector projects led and regulated primarily by senior levels of government, the Town will continue to focus on protecting community interests, supporting responsible development, and sharing accurate, timely information as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Why are data centres being developed in Alberta?
The Government of Alberta is actively supporting digital infrastructure as part of a broader economic diversification and technology strategy. This includes attracting data centres to Alberta due to factors such as power availability, climate, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. See the Province’s Data Centre Strategy here.
Globally, AI Data Centre growth is expected to be approximately 33% over each of the next 5 years, equating to hundreds of billions of dollars in annual investment. Driving this demand is the growing integration of artificial intelligence into our economies in addition to ‘data sovereignty’ pushes by national governments, including Canada, to house critical data within their borders. This article provides more information on the growing demand for data centres.
Interest and investment in data centres is increasing rapidly across Alberta as senior governments actively attract this industry. The Town is choosing to be strategically proactive, by understanding the sector, aligning local planning tools, and communicating early, rather than reacting later without preparation. This does not commit the Town to any specific project, but ensures Olds is informed, ready, and able to protect community interests if proposals advance.
Approvals for Data Centres are shared across jurisdictions:
- Alberta Utilities Commission
Power generation, transmission, and grid connections. - Town of Olds
Considers zoning, development permits, building permits, and local servicing. - Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Water Approvals, Environmental Standards, & Emissions Regulations
Alberta Utilities Commission Process
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) process for the Synapse data centre project is a mandatory provincial regulatory review primarily focused on the natural gas component that is intended to power the facility. That process is now open!
While the Town of Olds manages local zoning and development permits, the AUC has sole authority over the power generation component.
Residents can participate in the AUC process by visiting the AUC’s E-Filing page and registering.
Conversely, the Town has downloaded the PDF documents from the Closed Synapse AUC application in February, 2026:
- Noise Impact Assessment-000 Synapse W-04-033-01 W5 Olds Data Center NIA Report 1 1_000002
- ACO Consult Response FNC202650329_000003
- Air Quality Assessment_000013
- Application-30625-A001_000014
- AUC Public Involvement Brochure 1_000007
- Drawings Maps 1_000005
- Environmental Evaluation PRELIM DRAFT 12Feb2026_000010
- Environmental Protection Plan_000011
- Process Flow Diagram
- Rule007_MunicipalEngagementForm Town of Olds 1_000008
- Synapse Data Center - Project Information Package 1_000006
- Synapse Real Estate Corp - Rule007_Thermal Power Plant ApplicationForm_000012
The Town has also downloaded the PDF documents from the NEW Synapse AUC application in April 2026:
- Application-30732-A001_000044
- Synapse Cover Letter - Signed_000022
- Participant Involvement Program v1.1_000020
- Process Flow Diagrams_000019
- Drawings Maps 1_000018
- Municipal Engagement Form - March 20 2026_000016
- AUC Public Involvement Brochure 1_000014
- Synapse Data Center - Project Information Package_000013
- ACO Consult Response FNC202650329_000012
- Noise Impact Assessment_000011
- Decommissioning Plan_000010
- Environmental Protection Plan_000009
- Environmental Evaluation 1_000008
- Air Quality Assessment v1.2_000007
- Emergency Management Plan A9_000006
- ERP 0201-A - Natural Gas Leak - Header System_000005
- ERP 0201-A - Natural Gas Leak - Powerhouse_000004
- ERP 0201-A - Natural Gas Leak - Turbine Enclosure_000003
- ERP 0101-A - Construction General_000002
- Synapse Real Estate Corp - Rule007 Thermal Power Plant Application Form_000001
- AUC's Letter of SIP Extension July 9, 2026
- AUC's letter to Synapse regarding Information Request Round 2
What happened during the AUC Presentation to the Town of Olds on April 27, 2026?
On April 27, 2026, Council received a presentation from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on its role in reviewing and deciding utility-scale project applications, including the hearing process and opportunities for public participation. The presentation provided information on how the provincial process works, what factors are considered in decisions, and how residents may take part in proceedings related to projects under the Commission’s jurisdiction.
The presentation was recorded in the Council Meeting Livestream from 13m30s to 1h27m.
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