Calgary councillors seek a pause on large AI data centre projects
Nov 4, 2026 · Summarized by Fundy Tech from 6 sources
Calgary council will debate a temporary freeze on large data centres while staff study electricity and water impacts. The motion was approved by executive committee in a 10-3 vote.
Key points
- Mayor Jeromy Farkas and four councillors sponsored the motion.
- Staff would report by March on bylaw changes needed for a pause.
- A separate report is due by the end of next year.
The full story
Calgary city council is set to debate whether to freeze future development of large-scale data centres. The city’s executive committee approved a notice of motion in a 10-3 vote. Mayor Jeromy Farkas and councillors Jennifer Wyness, Raj Dhaliwal, Andrew Yule and John Pantazopoulos sponsored it.
The motion asks for a temporary moratorium on new land-use redesignation applications for large-scale data centres. It also asks city administration to prepare a report by March on bylaw amendments that may be needed to support the pause. Another report, due by the end of next year, would examine the risks and opportunities of data centres in Calgary, plus how other municipalities are handling them.
Farkas said residents are worried about electricity bills and Calgary’s water infrastructure. He said council needs to tighten rules and understand the impact on noise, pollution, water demand and electricity demand. Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt also supported the motion and said he wants a practical freeze that gives staff time to research the issue.
The motion comes as Alberta is at the centre of Canada’s AI data centre boom, but polling has suggested the facilities are unpopular in the province. The province has also held town halls on data centres. A proposed project near the Redstone neighbourhood is already under review and would continue through the city system even if future developments are paused.
Why it matters
For Calgary households and local businesses, the debate is about water, power use and possible cost impacts. The city is weighing how to regulate a fast-growing industry before more projects are approved. The decision could affect future investment and local infrastructure planning.
Who’s affected: Calgary residents, utilities and future data centre projects
What’s next
Council will debate the motion next. Staff reports are due by March and by the end of next year.
What to do
- Watch Calgary council’s vote.
- Review local water and power planning.
- Follow any new bylaw or permit changes.
Original reporting
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