No. The City has not approved construction of a data centre in Chestermere. Council has received information about a proposed project, and the City’s land use rules do allow a data centre campus in the appropriate district. However, any future development would still need to go through the full municipal application, technical review, and permitting process and possible provincial reviews and approvals.
Proposed Beacon Data Centre: Current Status and FAQ
The City of Chestermere is aware of public interest and questions regarding proposed data centre developments in the region, including projects associated with Beacon Data Centres.
Several data-centre-related proposals are being discussed across neighbouring municipalities. Only one of these is located within Chestermere; others are situated in nearby jurisdictions such as Rocky View County. This page outlines what applies specifically to Chestermere and clarifies the City’s role in reviewing any future applications. For questions about developments in other municipalities, please contact them directly.
Current status in Chestermere
Beacon Data Centre previously introduced a concept for a potential data centre on lands in the southern part of Chestermere. This concept was shared publicly by the developer in 2025 as a potential major investment in the community.
Following a Public Hearing on April 1, 2025, Council approved a Land Use Bylaw amendment 014-25 to redesignate the site to Business Park Light Industrial (BPLI) and add regulations for Data Centres into the Land Use Bylaw.
A subdivision has been conditionally approved on the subject lands. However, the subdivision does not determine the future user. A development permit will be required to determine the end user.
At this time, no Development Permit application for a data centre has been submitted to the City. The City is not reviewing any application for construction of a data centre facility.
If an application is submitted in the future, it will undergo a comprehensive review under:
- Relevant provincial and federal regulations
- Municipal Development Plan
- Land Use Bylaw
- Municipal engineering standards
No development permit approvals have been issued for construction of a data centre in Chestermere.
Has a data centre been approved in Chestermere?
A Data Centre has not been approved in Chestermere.
A Data Centre cannot be built without the City approving a Development Permit. A development permit application has not been submitted at this time.
What would be reviewed if an application is submitted?
When/if a development application is submitted, the City would review it based on the specific details provided. The City’s review may include, but is not limited to:
- Water, wastewater, and stormwater servicing requirements
- Fire protection and emergency access
- Traffic and road impacts
- Noise impacts and potential noise mitigation
- Heat, emissions, dust, lighting, and visual impacts
- Site design, building height, setbacks, fencing, landscaping, and screening
- Security and controlled access
- Development agreement requirements
- Compliance with applicable municipal, provincial, and federal regulations
- Additional information may be required depending on the nature of the application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rocky View/Indus project the same as the Chestermere project?
No. The Rocky View/Indus project is separate from the Chestermere proposal. Rocky View County manages its own planning process. The City of Chestermere does not approve or refuse Rocky View County applications or Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) applications. Please contact Rocky View County directly for questions on Rocky View/Indus project.
Is there a power plant proposed in Chestermere?
The City is not reviewing a development permit for a data centre or a power plant associated with a data centre.
If an application is submitted in the future, it will be reviewed under all applicable municipal requirements. Depending on the proposal, provincial or federal approvals may also be required
Will this affect residents’ electricity bills?
Electricity rates and transmission policy are set at the provincial level, not by the City. Large‑load connections and electricity planning are managed through Alberta’s electricity framework, including the Alberta Electric System Operator and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The Province has stated that data centre power solutions should avoid compromising affordability and reliability for Albertans.
How much water would a data centre use?
The City has not received a project‑specific application that identifies the proposed design, cooling system, water source, or water demand. Water use varies widely depending on technology and design. Any future application would need to address water servicing, wastewater, fire protection, and other municipal servicing requirements to the City’s satisfaction.
What about drought or water restrictions?
Any future application would be reviewed in the context of Chestermere’s municipal servicing capacity, regional water supply arrangements, infrastructure requirements, and applicable regulations.
What about noise?
Noise is a common concern with large industrial and technology facilities. Under the City’s Land Use Bylaw, the Development Authority may require technical information, mitigation measures, and noise attenuation studies. If an application is submitted, the City may require the applicant to identify expected noise impacts and propose mitigation strategies.
What about health, air quality, heat, and emissions?
A future application would need to provide detailed technical information so the City can assess the proposal within its municipal authority. Depending on the project, provincial and federal regulatory requirements may also apply. The City’s review would rely on project‑specific studies and applicable regulations.
Why would the City conditionally approve a subdivision if the final development isn’t known yet?
A subdivision approval doesn’t determine what buildings will be constructed. Its purpose is to make sure any newly created lots meet the City’s Land Use Bylaw and that the layout can provide required municipal infrastructure such as water, sanitary sewer, stormwater management, and transportation access.
Even when a specific development hasn’t been proposed, the City can conditionally approve a subdivision to confirm the land can be serviced and organized appropriately. Any future building still requires a separate Development Permit before construction can occur.
What about fire protection and emergency response?
Any future development application would need to address fire safety, site access, emergency response considerations, and required fire protection measures. The City’s Land Use Bylaw requires a Fire Safety Plan for a data centre campus to be submitted to the satisfaction of the City’s Fire Chief.
How will residents be informed?
If a future application requires public notification or Council consideration, the City will follow the required notification and public process.
Residents are encouraged to use this webpage for updates and to rely on City-issued information rather than unofficial or non-project-specific claims.