Residents Challenge AI Data Centre Projects in Alberta and B.C.

Opposition to artificial intelligence data centre expansion is growing across Western Canada, manifesting as legal challenges in Alberta and policy demands in British Columbia. In Alberta, the Little Bow AI Data Centre Committee has filed for a judicial review in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench to overturn a June decision by the Vulcan County Council. The council had rezoned 340 hectares from rural general to rural industrial to facilitate a 1,000-megawatt campus proposed by developer Eric Steeves.

Opponents of the Vulcan County project argue the municipality ignored its own bylaws and environmental protections, citing risks to the Travers Reservoir and nearby recreational sites. While Reeve Jason Schneider stated the municipality will answer to the court, Steeves maintains he will continue working with stakeholders despite the added uncertainty. The project still requires approvals from the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Alberta Electric System Operator.

Similar concerns have emerged in British Columbia, where resident Peter W. Rusland has called on Premier David Eby and local officials to implement a total ban on AI data centres. Rusland cited colossal demands for water, land, and power, as well as dangerous noise levels. He urged B.C. leaders to look at Rocky View County in Alberta, which recently paused data centre proposals to investigate governing rules, though Rusland argued that a complete ban is the only way to prevent lasting damage.