I am writing as a resident of Sturgeon County to express my strong opposition to the proposed AI data centre development.

Sturgeon County is more than a place to build industry, it is a community rooted in agriculture, natural landscapes, wildlife, and the rural lifestyle that so many of us have intentionally chosen. While I understand that technological innovation has an important role in our economy, I do not believe this project provides benefits that outweigh the long term costs to our community.

My primary concern is the immense demand that AI data centres place on electricity and infrastructure. These facilities are among the most energy intensive buildings in the world, often requiring dedicated substations, transmission upgrades, and significant public infrastructure investment. Residents deserve transparency regarding who will ultimately bear these costs and assurance that existing ratepayers and taxpayers will not subsidize private development.

Water usage is another significant concern. Although cooling technologies vary, many modern data centres consume substantial amounts of water. Alberta has experienced increasing drought conditions, and our agricultural community depends on reliable access to water. Before approving a project of this scale, there should be clear evidence that it will not negatively affect local water resources, groundwater, or future water security.

Equally concerning is the permanent loss of agricultural land. Productive farmland is one of Alberta's most valuable resources and, once developed, cannot realistically be restored to its original agricultural use. Every acre converted to industrial development reduces our ability to produce food locally and weakens the agricultural heritage that defines Sturgeon County.

The environmental impacts also deserve careful consideration. Large industrial buildings, extensive lighting, increased traffic, noise from cooling systems, and backup power infrastructure can permanently alter rural landscapes and disrupt wildlife habitat. These impacts extend beyond the project boundaries and affect neighbouring landowners, local ecosystems, and future generations.

Construction will inevitably bring increased heavy truck traffic, road wear, dust, and noise. Residents deserve to know who will be responsible for maintaining municipal roads and whether existing infrastructure is sufficient to support such a large industrial operation.

One of the most important questions is whether this project truly serves the interests of local residents. While data centres often generate substantial private investment, they typically employ relatively few permanent workers once construction is complete. In return, our community assumes the long term impacts of industrial development, increased infrastructure demands, loss of farmland, and environmental change.

I respectfully ask Council to carefully evaluate whether this project aligns with Sturgeon County's (and Canada's) long term vision. Economic development should complement (not replace) our agricultural identity, protect our natural resources, and preserve the quality of life that residents value.

Residents deserve a full understanding of both the short term and long term consequences before irreversible decisions are made.

Sturgeon County is one of Alberta's most productive agricultural regions. Once farmland is replaced by industrial infrastructure, it is effectively lost forever. Decisions made today will shape our community for decades to come. I respectfully ask Council to place the long term interests of residents, farmers, future generations, and our natural environment ahead of short term economic opportunities and reject this proposal.

Thank you for your time and your careful consideration of the concerns of the residents you represent.