Planned technology park in Rocky View County to be discussed at public hearing on Tuesday

In the heart of Alberta's farmland, a proposed technology park has sparked debate among local residents. The project, located near Highway 566 east of Balzac, spans approximately 453 hectares and includes multiple data processing and artificial intelligence centre facilities, as well as a 900-megawatt power generation facility.

The public hearing for this controversial development is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Rocky View County council chambers. Many concerned residents believe the hearing is being rushed by the county, a sentiment echoed by local resident Christina Thomas. Thomas, along with several other landowners, voiced her concerns at a community meeting on Aug. 14 and many more are now opposed and plan to attend the 9 a.m. meeting.

Thomas is upset that the information gathering and public hearing times are happening during harvest, a busy time for farmers. She feels the current stage of the project is being rushed, and the requirement to review more than a thousand pages of material during this period is a chief concern for opponents.

The project, spearheaded by Kineticor Development and Operations, leverages existing and planned infrastructure like transmission lines, water facilities, and Highway 566. Raymond McKay, a representative from Kineticor, has stated that the project represents an opportunity for Rocky View County to benefit from Alberta's growing data center sector.

However, opponents argue that the county has at least two data centres built or in construction on industrial-zoned land, meaning the region will still benefit from significant new tax revenue without sacrificing prime farmland. They believe the development site, which is agricultural soil, could be better placed in areas already zoned for commercial use, such as Balzac.

Kineticor has reached out and had conversations with surrounding neighbors to hear their concerns and work towards solutions. Despite these efforts, Thomas remains adamant that the project will be an eyesore and has expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on property value and health impacts to people and animals.

According to the project plan on the Rocky View County website, public engagement took place from May 15 to August 19. The plan also states that the proposed technology park will increase Rocky View County's non-residential assessment base, which will have a substantial, long-term benefit to the County's fiscal position.

As the hearing approaches, both sides of the argument prepare to present their views, hoping to influence the decision that will shape the future of Rocky View County.

Planned technology park in Rocky View County to be discussed at public hearing on Tuesday