Town council has given first reading to a land use bylaw amendment that would add data centres as a discretionary use in the industrial district.
The change introduced Dec. 2, creates a formal definition for “data centres” by establishing development standards & other regulations.
The measure follows a recommendation from the town’s Economic Development Committee, which met on Nov. 19 for a strategic planning session.
With new provincial funding targeting data centre investment, administration said the updates would position Stettler to respond if a developer expresses interest in the area.
Data centres are facilities that house computer systems needed to process & store large amounts of digital information.
This can include cloud computing, artificial intelligence servers, cryptocurrency operations & secure data storage systems.
Developers would be required to submit site plans, elevation drawings, as well as mitigation plans for noise, heat & fire safety procedures.
In the industrial district, “data centre” would be added to the list of discretionary uses, meaning each application would be reviewed individually.
Administration noted any future proposals would undergo a provincial regulatory review & that public engagement opportunities will occur if a project proceeds.
Concerns have been raised by landowners around the province about the strain data centres can place on local resources such as land, water & electricity.
The land use bylaw amendment will now be advertised before returning for second & third reading.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
