Data centres are unpopular in Alberta, poll suggests. Are they a political liability? | CBC News
Rita Reich has brought more than 100 neighbours to her Ponoka County farm over the past month to oppose a planned data centre nearby. She cites concerns about noise, environmental effects and farmland loss.
A poll found 7 per cent of respondents strongly support AI data-centre construction, while 31 per cent strongly oppose it. Respondents also worry about electricity costs and AI’s broader effects on society.
Reich said tensions were high at a provincial town hall and called for the government to address the issue directly. She described the projects as a potential political problem for Premier Danielle Smith.
Retired University of Lethbridge political sociologist Trevor Harrison warned that moving ahead without public discussion could expose the government to blame if the projects cause problems.
The debate is also intensifying in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton, where Meta is building a one-gigawatt data centre. If every project now planned proceeds, Alberta would host 90 per cent of Canada’s data centres.
Key points
- Only 7 per cent strongly support AI data-centre development; 31 per cent strongly oppose it.
- Concerns include environmental impacts, power costs, noise and loss of farmland.
- Meta is building a one-gigawatt facility in Sturgeon County.