Wonder Valley, a significant data center project in northwestern Alberta, faces considerable delays. Investor Kevin O’Leary announced the project in December 2024, with construction initially set to start by 2026. Now, preliminary work is over a year behind schedule, and construction may not begin until late 2028.
Details on Wonder Valley Data Center
Located 700 kilometers northwest of Calgary, the proposed data center aims to harness natural gas from the Grande Prairie region. Backers hope it will generate 7.5 gigawatts of computing power, which is approximately two-thirds of Alberta’s power grid consumption during peak hours.
Impact on Local Economy
Once completed, Wonder Valley could transform the local economy. The project is expected to create:
- Thousands of construction jobs
- Hundreds of permanent jobs for maintenance and operations
Local officials believe that this development could attract more high-tech industries to the area, positioning Grande Prairie as a key location for data centers.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Despite its potential, the site currently remains untouched, with only dirt paths and forest land visible. Efforts to prepare the site, known as the Greenview Industrial Gateway, have included significant infrastructure investments. Approximately $70 million has already been spent on developing the necessary facilities, such as water supply and road access.
Kyle Reiling, executive director of industrial development for Greenview, has been involved in planning Wonder Valley since 2021. He reported that O’Leary Ventures has yet to finalize land purchases or secure the necessary provincial permits, delaying the project further.
Community Response and Concerns
Local leaders maintain an optimistic outlook. Reeve Ryan Ratzlaff stated that O’Leary Ventures is taking a more measured approach to ensure the project’s success. He believes the company decided to slow down to guarantee everything is perfectly aligned for a successful launch.
However, concerns exist regarding community engagement. Members of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation have expressed opposition to development without proper consultations. The Chief has called for the cessation of activities on traditional lands that are essential to their way of life.
Looking Ahead
Industry experts emphasize that the data center landscape is evolving rapidly. Tech companies are in urgent need of additional computing capacity, especially for advancements in artificial intelligence. However, without confirmed contracts with tech giants, O’Leary Ventures faces challenges in advancing the project.
While Grande Prairie officials remain supportive, they acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding Wonder Valley. Mayor Jackie Clayton and education leaders are prepared to assist in training a skilled workforce for the anticipated jobs. Nevertheless, the overarching goal is to see the project break ground.
As it stands, the future of Wonder Valley remains uncertain, hinging on the resolution of regulatory, environmental, and community concerns, and ultimately on securing prominent tech partners willing to invest.
