At a Glance - Week of July 15
Meta Announces $13B Alberta Investment
Alberta Counsel client Meta has announced plans to build its first Canadian data centre in Alberta, representing an investment of more than $13 billion in Sturgeon County. The project is expected to create more than 3,000 construction jobs, support 300 permanent operational jobs, and generate approximately $250 million annually in provincial benefits through royalties, taxes, levies, and fees. The data centre will be located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and will use a closed-loop, dry-cooling system designed to limit operational water use.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith commented: “Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is making sure we lead rather than follow. We created the right conditions to attract world-leading investments while protecting the interests of Albertans. This project will create thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, and make electricity more reliable and affordable.”
Province Fast-Tracks 41 School Projects
Alberta’s government is fast-tracking 41 public school projects through the Schools Now program, advancing more than 39,000 new and upgraded student spaces across the province. Of the accelerated projects, 19 have been approved for construction funding, while 22 are moving from planning into the design stage. The province says the accelerations will reduce project timelines by more than nine months. The announcement comes as communities continue to experience rapid population growth, rising enrolment, and capacity pressures in classrooms.
“Getting schools built faster matters to Alberta families. By accelerating 41 projects through the Schools Now program, we are moving more than 39,000 student spaces closer to construction and ensuring communities see real progress sooner,” commented Minister of Infrastructure, Martin Long.
Alberta and Ontario Propose West-East Pipeline
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have unveiled a proposed route for the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a 3,300-kilometre pipeline that would transport oil from Hardisty, Alberta, to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario. The project could move about 500,000 barrels per day, with potential expansion to 800,000 barrels per day, but remains in the early stages with no confirmed cost, timeline, or private-sector proponent.
Ontario has spent $11 million on a feasibility study, expected by the end of the year, and is beginning Indigenous consultation. Manitoba has refused to join the project, arguing that Indigenous communities must be involved from the outset rather than consulted after decisions are made. Smith and Ford framed the proposal as a nation-building project that could strengthen Canadian energy security and reduce reliance on pipeline routes through the United States.