Meta has announced plans to build its first Canadian artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Alberta, a $13-billion investment that provincial officials say is among the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history.
The company will construct the facility in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton, to support its growing AI infrastructure. Once completed, the data centre will be Meta’s first in Canada and one of the company’s largest AI computing facilities globally.
According to Meta, the project is expected to create approximately 3,000 construction jobs during peak construction and 300 permanent operational positions. The company also plans to invest $60 million in local infrastructure, including roads, water systems and other community improvements.
Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the investment.
“One of the largest private sector investments in Canadian history is coming home to Alberta. Meta has chosen Alberta for its first Canadian AI data centre, a historic $13 billion investment that will create thousands of jobs, strengthen our economy, and help position our province as a global leader in artificial intelligence and technology.”
Smith also said the project is expected to generate an estimated $250 million in annual benefits for Albertans and that Meta will fully fund the electricity generation and grid infrastructure needed to support the facility. According to the premier, those investments are expected to improve the reliability of Alberta’s electricity grid while reducing transmission costs for electricity customers.
“We are proud to welcome Meta and thank them for their confidence in our province, our economy, and most importantly, our people,” Smith added.
The Alberta government says the project will operate under the province’s “bring your own power” policy for large data centres, under which companies are responsible for securing and funding the electricity required to power their operations.
The announcement comes as Alberta continues efforts to attract major technology companies seeking locations with reliable energy supplies, available industrial land and a competitive investment environment. Provincial officials have increasingly promoted Alberta as a destination for artificial intelligence and data centre development.
Meta said the Sturgeon County facility will help support the company’s expanding AI technologies and growing demand for advanced computing capacity.
While the investment has been welcomed by government and business leaders for its economic potential, some environmental organizations and energy analysts have raised questions about the long-term electricity demands of hyperscale AI data centres and their environmental impact. Supporters, however, argue the project represents a significant opportunity to diversify Alberta’s economy and strengthen its position in the global technology sector.
Meta says the facility will incorporate technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce water consumption, including a closed-loop cooling system.
The Alberta project marks Meta’s first data centre in Canada and reflects the growing global competition among technology companies to expand the infrastructure needed to power artificial intelligence.
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