Canada's getting its first Meta data center, and it's built for AI (www.businessinsider.com)

Meta has announced the construction of its first data center in Canada, a significant investment of over CAD $13 billion aimed at bolstering AI capabilities. Located in Sturgeon County, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, this facility will be a 1-gigawatt computing center designed specifically for AI workloads, supporting the technologies used by billions globally for connectivity and business growth. This marks Meta's 33rd data center worldwide and is expected to create over 3,000 construction jobs and more than 300 operational positions upon completion. The data center will feature a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with dry cooling, minimizing reliance on a continuous water supply for temperature control—an important consideration in sustainable tech development. In addition to the economic impact, which includes approximately CAD $60 million allocated for local infrastructure improvements, the project is also heralded as a catalyst for long-term tax revenue and job creation in the region, reflecting both Meta’s strategic focus on AI and its commitment to community development. Alanna Hnatiw, the mayor of Sturgeon County, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Meta, viewing it as a step toward brightening the future of the community.