Meta makes one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history
Investment at a Glance
Location
Sturgeon County, Alberta
$13B+
Investment
3,000+
Construction Jobs
300
Permanent Jobs
Meta is one of the world’s leading technology companies, connecting billions of people through its family of apps and pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. Through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, Meta empowers individuals, communities, and businesses to connect, communicate, and grow. The company is also shaping the future of AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality, creating innovative technologies that drive digital transformation and unlock new economic opportunities globally.
The Largest Data Centre Project in Alberta’s History
Meta has selected Alberta for its first Canadian data centre campus, representing an investment of more than $13 billion and one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history.
Located in Sturgeon County within Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the project will create more than 3,000 construction jobs and support approximately 300 permanent jobs. Once operational, the development is expected to generate significant impact for the provincial economy.
Meta’s decision reflects Alberta’s strengths in supporting large-scale AI and cloud infrastructure projects through investment-ready land, reliable power, and a competitive business environment. Combined with Alberta’s AI Data Centre Strategy and Bring-Your-Own-Power (BYOP) approach, these advantages are helping position the province as a leading destination for AI investment.
Meta’s investment decision was driven by a combination of energy availability, regulatory certainty, site readiness, and infrastructure capacity. Together, these factors provided the scale, speed, and long-term operating conditions required to support one of Canada’s largest AI and cloud infrastructure investments.
Build for AI Infrastructure
Alberta established a dedicated AI Data Centre Strategy before pursuing large-scale AI investments, creating a clear framework for power generation, cooling technologies, water use, and economic participation. Combined with a concierge-style support model, the province provides investors with greater clarity and confidence throughout project development.
Bring-Your-Own Power
Alberta’s Bring-Your-Own-Power (BYOP) framework allows Meta to secure the energy capacity they need while maintaining grid reliability for Albertans. The project will be completed in two phases with a combined (approximate) 970 MW of grid-connected power, with future on-site natural gas generation developed alongside Kineticor and Pembina Pipeline Corporation.
Investment Ready Land
Located in Sturgeon County within Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the project benefits from access to large-scale industrial land, established infrastructure, utility servicing, and room for future growth. The site is located on existing industrial land and avoids impacts to agricultural production.
Designed for Efficient Water Use
The campus will utilize a closed-loop liquid cooling system with dry cooling technology that requires no operational water use for cooling. Water use will be limited to domestic requirements, maintenance activities, and fire protection, subject to provincial approvals.
“Invest Alberta is pleased to welcome Meta to the province. The success of this investment is a direct result of strong provincial ecosystem collaboration, and an excellent value proposition. Working with the Meta team the past few years to bring this project to fruition has made it clear that Alberta is a standout for international businesses looking to expand.”
– Keith Bradley, Acting CEO Invest Alberta Corporation
Supporting the Investment Journey
Throughout Meta’s evaluation process, partners across Alberta’s investment attraction ecosystem worked collaboratively to provide market intelligence, industry insights, and connections to key stakeholders within the province’s technology, energy, and industrial sectors.
Organizations including Invest Alberta, government partners, municipalities, economic development agencies, and industry leaders helped facilitate introductions, share expertise, and coordinate resources to support project planning and advance discussions as the opportunity evolved.
Site Selection and Business Case Development
As Meta assessed potential locations, organizations across Alberta’s investment ecosystem worked together to showcase the province’s advantages, including site readiness, infrastructure capacity, workforce availability, and competitive energy resources.
Partners including Invest Alberta, Sturgeon County, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, provincial ministries, utilities, and industry stakeholders collaborated to provide information and support throughout the evaluation process, helping Meta assess Alberta as a potential location for long-term investment.
Coordination Across Government and Industry
Large-scale projects require alignment across multiple organizations and jurisdictions. Alberta’s collaborative approach brought together government ministries, municipal partners, utilities, regulators, Indigenous communities, and industry stakeholders to support discussions related to power, infrastructure, regulatory processes, and project timelines.
By working together to address opportunities and challenges, partners across the ecosystem helped maintain project momentum and supported informed decision-making as the project advanced toward a final investment decision.
A Foundation for Future Growth
Meta’s decision to invest more than $13 billion in Alberta reflects years of collaboration among industry, government, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and economic development organizations working toward a shared vision for growth.
The project demonstrates Alberta’s ability to bring together partners across the province to support complex, globally competitive investments. Through coordinated efforts to attract investment, develop infrastructure, and create a business-friendly environment, Alberta has strengthened its position as a destination for AI infrastructure, digital investment, and future technology growth.
Beyond its immediate economic impact, the project reinforces the province’s reputation as a place where industry, communities, and governments work together to deliver transformative opportunities. As the project moves from announcement to construction and operation, partners across Alberta’s ecosystem will continue to support its long-term success and the growth it will help generate throughout the province.