A proposed data centre project in the small Alberta town of Olds is stirring significant debate among residents. The ambitious development, which its proponents claim will be Canada’s largest, was announced in late January and is expected to represent a remarkable $10 billion investment. If realised, the facility could generate 2,000 construction jobs and over 1,000 long-term positions in highly skilled roles.
A Game Changer for Olds
According to a statement from the town’s economic development agency, INVESTOlds, the new Synapose data centre would be approximately ten times larger than any currently operating in Canada. This scale would position Olds as a frontrunner in advanced digital infrastructure, catering to the growing demands of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other data-intensive technologies.
Sandra Blyth, the agency’s economic development manager, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “For the community, it’s going to be a game changer. This will spur economic growth not just in our municipality but also in the surrounding region.” The influx of investment is expected to enhance the local tax base, allowing Olds to expand services and amenities for its residents.
Olds Mayor Dan Daley highlighted the town’s advantageous location, situated just 45 minutes from Calgary and close to Red Deer and Edmonton. He emphasised the availability of a well-trained local workforce and access to crucial energy resources, stating, “This makes Olds an ideal spot for such a significant development.”
Community Concerns Emerge
However, not all residents are welcoming the news with open arms. The Olds town council recently convened to discuss the Synapose proposal, where several residents raised their apprehensions about the project. Derek Hurst, a local resident, expressed support for job creation but voiced concerns over the substantial electricity demands of the facility. “This is basically a giant box. But what they’re adding on the end of that giant box is a power station. How is that going to affect my quality of life?” he questioned.
Another resident, Doreen Mousek, argued that the project is being pushed through too quickly, without adequate information for locals. “I don’t think Olds has the infrastructure to support this at this time,” she remarked, pointing out issues with current traffic management and overall preparedness for such a massive undertaking.
Navigating the Permitting Process
The founder of Synapose, Jason Dan Gall, addressed these concerns during the meeting, noting that the Alberta Utilities Commission’s permitting process mandates that the company inform residents within 800 metres of the project in person. “I personally visited 200 homes and spoke with over 100 individuals. I would say that 95 per cent of the population is either looking forward to the project or are neutral about it,” Dan Gall reported. He acknowledged that while some concerns are valid, many stem from uncertainty regarding the noise and emissions regulations associated with the project.
In a decisive move, the Olds town council voted to rezone the proposed site for the Synapose data centre to light industrial, paving the way for construction. Should the company fulfil all municipal and provincial requirements, work could begin as early as next month, with completion anticipated by early to mid-2027.
Why it Matters
The potential construction of the Synapose data centre in Olds represents not just a significant economic opportunity for the town but also a crucial test of community resilience and adaptability. As the demand for digital infrastructure grows, balancing developmental aspirations with local concerns will prove essential. This project could set a precedent for future technology investments across Canada, highlighting the need for transparent communication and robust infrastructure to support ambitious initiatives.
