Proposed Data Centre Land Use Changes Open for Public Feedback

Proposed Data Centre Land Use Changes Open for Public Feedback 

(County of Grande Prairie, Alberta) – Council approved first reading of amendments to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) that establish a new Data Centre Campus (DAT) District and remove the Data Processing Establishment use from all other land use districts. 

The proposed amendments reflect the changing nature of data centre development and are intended to modernize the County's planning framework while providing greater transparency when considering data centre proposals. Residents can now review the proposed amendments, provide feedback and participate in a public hearing on December 2, 2026, before Council makes a final decision on the bylaw. 

Establishing a dedicated district means future data centre proposals will be considered through a specific zoning designation rather than under a range of existing industrial and commercial districts. This helps clearly identify potential data centre developments earlier during the rezoning process and provides greater certainty and transparency about the intended use of land. 

When the County adopted the current LUB in 2003, data processing establishments were typically small operations occupying limited space within office or commercial buildings. Today, data centres can be large-scale developments that may involve broader land use considerations and generate significant public interest. 

Applications for the Data Centre Campus (DAT) District may be proposed in the County. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) identifies areas intended for industrial development, and proposals within those areas are expected to align most closely with County planning policy. Council may also consider applications in other locations through the required planning and approval processes. 

"Council heard clearly from residents that they want to better understand proposed developments and have meaningful opportunities to provide input before decisions are made," said Reeve Amanda McDonald. "These amendments create a clearer process for considering future data centre proposals and help ensure the public has opportunities to participate as those proposals move through the planning process." 

Approval of first reading does not represent final approval of the bylaw. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback through the County's engagement process and at a public hearing on December 2, 2026, before Council considers second and third readings. 

Future data centre proposals may involve multiple planning and approval processes. Depending on the location and scope of a proposal, additional statutory planning documents, such as Area Structure Plans or Conceptual Schemes, may be required before rezoning can proceed. These requirements are intended to ensure proposed developments are evaluated within the County's broader planning framework. 

"The proposed changes recognize that data centres have evolved significantly over the past two decades and are now a distinct form of development with unique planning considerations," said Nick Lapp, General Manager, Planning and Development. "By creating a dedicated district, the County is strengthening transparency, aligning the Land Use Bylaw with current development trends and providing a clearer process for applicants, Council and the public." 

Next steps include public engagement, a public hearing on December 2, 2026, and Council's consideration of second and third readings of the proposed bylaw. 

Opportunities for Public Input 

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposed amendments and provide feedback through the County's engagement process. 

Ways to participate include: