Alberta to hold first AI data centre town hall in Lacombe
Residents worried about water use, pollution and electricity costs will get to question officials at the province's inaugural public session on AI data centre development.
Why it matters
The town halls will shape how Alberta balances the economic promise of AI data centres against residents' concerns over water, power costs and pollution.
The Alberta government is holding its first town hall on AI data centres in Lacombe, giving residents a chance to raise concerns about the rapid development of the facilities across the province.
Opposition to the data centre boom has grown over worries about water consumption, pollution and the potential effect on electricity bills. Premier Danielle Smith has defended the push, saying the sector will generate billions of dollars in royalties and taxes while using limited water and helping lower electricity transmission costs.
A second town hall is scheduled for Thursday in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton, as the province continues gathering public input on the issue.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.