Opposed

The Mihta Askiy Data Center Project should not proceed because it would lock the Peace River region into decades of new fossil‑fuel power use, heavy resource consumption, and limited local benefits.  The proposal depends on a massive, dedicated natural gas power plant of up to 650 megawatts, meaning most of the new generation would simply feed servers rather than homes, businesses, or community‑serving industries.  This runs directly against Canada’s stated climate goals, committing the area to large greenhouse gas emissions well past the period when emissions are supposed to be falling sharply. Beyond climate impacts, a facility of this size will place long‑term pressure on local water and the surrounding land, adding to cumulative industrial disturbance on and near Woodland Cree First Nation territory.  Continuous operation of turbines, cooling systems, and backup equipment would introduce ongoing noise and industrial activity roughly 40 km northeast of Peace River, changing the character of the region for nearby residents and land users. The permanent economic benefits are weak compared to the scale of the project.  Modern data centres are highly automated and create relatively few long‑term jobs, yet they consume enormous amounts of energy and occupy significant land and infrastructure capacity.  Public materials emphasize meeting global AI and digital‑infrastructure demand, not delivering affordable power, services, or diversified, sustainable employment for local communities. Northern Alberta needs investment that supports resilient, diversified local economies, not another fossil‑fuel‑dependent megaproject whose main gains flow to external technology and finance partners.  Instead of approving a 650‑MW gas‑fired data centre, decision‑makers should prioritize clean energy, local businesses, and community‑scale projects that align with climate commitments and protect land and water for future generations.