Massive increase in Canada’s data centre capacity, document says
Massive increase in Canada’s data centre capacity, document says
Publish Date: 2026-07-08 15:34:00
Source Domain: www.cp24.com
- Canada currently has about 337 megawatts of AI data centre capacity, with over 20 gigawatts in projects “under planning or development,” according to a document for International Investors by Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon. This figure was strongly contested by government spokespeople, who clarified it is not a projection of expected capacity.
- Not all planned AI data centre projects will go ahead due to factors such as commercial decisions, financing, electricity availability, regulatory approvals, and community engagement.
- The government’s recent national AI strategy suggests a requirement of 5.5 gigawatts of AI compute by commercial players by 2030, likely to be fulfilled by large-scale operations by hyperscalers for domestic and foreign markets.
- Opposition to data centres is growing across Canada, citing environmental concerns and potential negative impacts on communities including strain on the electricity grid, increased utility bills, and noise pollution.
- Major proposed data centres are primarily located in Alberta, aiming to attract $100 billion in investment, with previous projects amounting to over 18 gigawatts supported by natural gas, which could contribute significantly to CO2e emissions.
