Meta has broken ground on a new 1GW data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, marking its first facility in Canada and the 33rd across its global network. The AI-optimised site will support the company’s growing artificial intelligence workloads, powering technologies used by billions of people to connect, build communities, grow businesses and use Meta’s wearable devices.
The project represents an investment of more than CAD US$13 billion. At peak construction, around 3,000 workers will be employed onsite, while the completed facility will create more than 300 permanent operational jobs.
Meta is also investing approximately CAD US$60 million in local infrastructure, including upgrades to roads and water systems. The company will introduce its annual Data Center Community Action Grants programme in the region, providing funding for local nonprofits.
To support the development, Meta has worked with Greenlight Limited Partnership, Altalink, Capitol Power and the Alberta Electric System Operator to secure energy infrastructure well before the facility becomes operational. The company said it is fully funding new electricity generation and grid upgrades, improving reliability across Alberta while ensuring consumers are not adversely affected. Electricity consumption at the site will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy.
The company also highlighted its commitment to water stewardship. The facility will use a water-efficient, closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with dry cooling, eliminating operational water use for cooling. Water consumption will therefore be limited to domestic purposes, fire protection and equipment maintenance, supporting Meta’s goal of becoming water positive by 2030.
