Meta is building its first Canadian data center as it ramps up AI infrastructure with a major investment in Alberta.
The company announced it has begun construction on a new AI-optimized data center in Sturgeon County, near Edmonton. The project will cost more than CAD $13 billion (around $9 billion) and will become Meta's first data center in Canada and its 33rd worldwide.
Designed to support next-generation AI systems, the 1-gigawatt facility will span 2.9 million square feet across 1,750 acres. Meta said the site will use a closed-loop liquid cooling system that does not require a continuous water supply.
The company expects the project to create more than 3,000 construction jobs at peak and over 300 permanent operational roles once completed. Meta is also investing about CAD $60 million (roughly $42 million) in local infrastructure improvements.
Construction is expected to be completed within the next two to three years.