A large-scale data centre development is being proposed for the Bonnyville area, linking the region to a .26 billion foreign investment aimed at positioning Alberta as a North American hub for AI and digital infrastructure.

The project is being led by Data District Inc., a division of Swiss asset manager Alcral AG, in partnership with Portugal-based Technologies New Energy. Together, the companies plan to develop four AI-ready data centres across Alberta in a multi-phase buildout.

Bonnyville Part of Second Phase

While the first data centre will break ground in the Town of Olds in 2026, provincial project listings indicate the second facility is proposed for construction in or near Bonnyville, with a tentative timeline of 2027.

Specific location details have not yet been finalized. Early indications suggest the facility would be located within the MD of Bonnyville rather than the Town, though planning, zoning, permitting, and technical evaluation are still underway.

For the region, the announcement places Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul is firmly on the radar for major technology-driven infrastructure investment.

A $1.26 Billion Buildout

Once complete, the four data centres are expected to have a combined capacity of approximately 240 megawatts, representing one of the largest technology investments announced in Alberta to date.

The first phase in Olds is scheduled to begin construction in 2026, with operations expected in the second half of the year. The Bonnyville-area facility would follow in the second phase, pending final approvals.

Provincial officials have framed the project as a strong signal to global investors that Alberta is open for large-scale, energy-intensive technology development.

Why Alberta Is Targeting Data Centres

The proposed development aligns with Alberta’s Artificial Intelligence Data Centres Strategy, launched in December 2025. The province is actively pursuing data centre investment as part of a broader push to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors.

The strategy aims to attract up to $100 billion in investment over five years, positioning Alberta as the most attractive location in North America for AI and data centre infrastructure.

Data centres are considered critical modern infrastructure, supporting services such as cloud computing, AI processing, communications networks, online transactions, emergency services, and secure data storage.

Why the Bonnyville Region Fits

The Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. The Paul region offers several practical advantages for data centre development. The area sits along Alberta’s high-voltage backbone transmission network, providing access to major power infrastructure. It also has available industrial land and a workforce with strong experience in energy, trades, and technical operations.

Provincial policy changes are also designed to protect local electricity reliability. Under the Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 52), data centres that supply their own power are prioritized for grid connections, ensuring large new projects do not displace existing residential, commercial, or industrial users.

The legislation also places responsibility for transmission upgrades on project developers rather than electricity ratepayers.

Local Impact and Community Considerations

While large data centre projects can raise questions in rural communities, provincial officials point to tangible local benefits. These include stable municipal tax revenue, long-term technical employment, and ongoing work for local contractors and service providers.

Once operational, data centres typically place limited demand on municipal services while contributing to economic diversification. They can also act as anchors for attracting related industries and future investment into the region.

As planning continues, municipal governments and regulators will play a key role in land use decisions and community engagement.

What Happens Next

The Bonnyville-area data centre remains in the planning and evaluation stage. Further technical studies, municipal approvals, and regulatory processes will determine the final site and project scope.

If approved, the development would mark a significant shift in the region’s economic landscape, linking Bonnyville more directly into Alberta’s long-term strategy for technology, AI, and infrastructure growth.