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Data centre approvals and oversight

AI infrastructure projects must meet rigorous regulatory requirements.

Strong safeguards

Municipal, provincial and federal authorities may be involved in reviewing land use, electricity connections, environmental impacts, water use, public safety and other considerations before a data centre can be built.

Comprehensive approval process

Alberta's approval framework helps ensure that data centre development supports economic growth while protecting communities, infrastructure, natural resources and the environment. Regulators can require changes, impose conditions or refuse projects that do not meet applicable standards.

Land use and municipal development

Electricity generation and grid connections

Environmental and water impacts

Building, fire and safety requirements

Indigenous consultation, where required

Federal requirements, depending on the project

Built for Albertans

Our stringent approach to regulatory requirements means that data centres cannot be built without the required permits and approvals.

  • Municipal regulation matters

    Local governments play a key role in determining where data centres can be developed. They review factors such as:

    • Zoning and land use
    • Site design and setbacks
    • Traffic and servicing
    • Lighting and community impacts

    Residents may have opportunities to provide input through municipal planning and approval processes.

  • Accountability throughout the project lifecycle

    Developers remain responsible for meeting the conditions of their approvals, including site management, cleanup and restoration requirements where applicable.

    Project proponents are responsible for the costs associated with meeting these obligations.

  • Respecting Indigenous rights

    Alberta’s government assesses whether Crown consultation is required when a proposed project may affect Aboriginal or Treaty rights. Where required, consultation is carried out through the province’s established consultation process.

Governing legislation

Responsible data centre development is ensured by existing legislation. All AI infrastructure projects must be built for Alberta’s communities first and foremost.

  • Land use planning and development

    • Municipal Government Act, Part 17: municipal planning, zoning, development permits, building permits, off-site levies and development agreements.
    • Safety Codes Act and Alberta Building Code: building, fire, electrical, gas and plumbing safety requirements.
    • Public Lands Act and Public Lands Administration Regulation: dispositions and constraints for development on Crown land.
    • Historical Resources Act: archaeological, palaeontological, historic and Indigenous cultural resource clearance.

  • Environmental and water management

    • Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and Environmental Assessment Regulation: environmental approvals, emissions, waste management and environmental impact assessment decisions.
    • Water Act: surface water, groundwater, water diversions and activities in or near water bodies, wetlands and watercourses.

  • Electricity and utilities

    • Hydro and Electric Energy Act: Alberta Utilities Commission review of power plants and utility facilities.
    • AUC Rule 007: Alberta Utilities Commission filing requirements and participant involvement process.
    • AUC Rule 012: noise control requirements for facilities within the AUC mandate.
    • Electric Utilities Act, AESO tariff and ISO rules: grid connection, system access service, reliability and large-load connection review.
    • Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025: tools for managing very large electricity loads and data centre grid integration.
    • Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2) and Fiscal Measures Statutes Amendment Act, 2026: Data Centre Levy framework.

  • Energy and infrastructure

    • Pipeline Act and Responsible Energy Development Act: provincial energy-related pipelines, wells and facilities.
    • Highways Development and Protection Act: roadside development and access permits near provincial highways.

  • Indigenous consultation

    Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the Alberta consultation process: Crown consultation where Aboriginal or Treaty rights may be affected.

  • Federal regulatory requirements

    Depending on the project, federal legislation may also apply, including:

    • Impact Assessment Act
    • Fisheries Act
    • Species at Risk Act
    • Migratory Birds Convention Act
    • Canadian Navigable Waters Act
    • Investment Canada Act
    • Radiocommunication Act
    • Telecommunications Act