On June 17, 2025, Rocky View County Council approved the Beacon AI Hub Area Structure Plan (ASP) to guide a proposed data centre development on approximately 900 acres near Indus, Alberta, and redesignated the lands to a Special, Data Centre land use district.
The approved Area Structure Plan can be viewed here: Beacon AI Hub Area Structure Plan [PDF/6.4MB].
What's Happening
When the ASP was approved, the project concept anticipated the data centre would be powered primarily by Alberta’s electrical grid. The Beacon ASP and the Special, Data Centre District zoning do allow for on-site power generation, including natural gas plants, as ancillary uses adjacent to a data centre.
Since then, the Province has restricted new grid connections for data centres and has directed proponents to arrange their own power supply. In response, the Beacon AI Hub developer has applied to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to construct an on‑site natural gas‑fired power plant to supply electricity for the data centre.
On January 19, 2026, the AUC publicly posted a Notice of Application for the proposed power plant. This notice informs residents and interested parties about the proposal and opens a window for public feedback.
The AUC approval process is explained on their website here. The process is currently in Step 4, with public feedback closing on February 23, 2025.
Why This Matters
Since the power plant application was filed, residents have contacted the County expressing concerns, particularly about:
- Noise from the proposed power plant and its impact on nearby properties
- Air emissions and what they could mean for local health and environment
- Water use, including whether enough water is available for the project without affecting the community
- Protection of agricultural land and rural quality of life
Rocky View County has heard these concerns and is taking steps to ensure they are formally on the record for AUC consideration.
Who Decides What
| Decision | Who Decides |
|---|---|
| Whether the natural gas-fired power plant is approved, and under what conditions | Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) — the independent provincial energy regulator |
| Local planning and development decisions for data centre uses within the Beacon AI Hub area (e.g., development permits, municipal land-use conditions) | Rocky View County — as the local development authority |
Rocky View County cannot approve or refuse the AUC's power plant application. However, if the AUC does approve the power plant, the County would still be required to issue a municipal development permit in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. The County may apply municipal conditions, as long as they do not conflict with AUC requirements.
What Rocky View County Is Doing
On February 10, 2026, Council directed Administration to formally participate in the AUC's review process. Specifically, the County will:
- Ask the AUC to consider concerns raised by nearby residents and ensure they are on the formal record.
- Monitor the AUC's process closely. If resident concerns are addressed to the County's satisfaction, the County may withdraw its formal participation.
- If the power plant is approved, the County is open to working with the AUC and the developer to set appropriate conditions that address local impacts.
How You Can Have Your Say
The AUC is accepting public input on this application. The deadline to submit your feedback is February 23, 2026. Here's how:
- Create an AUC eFiling account at the Alberta Utilities Commission website.
- Submit your input online, referencing Proceeding 30524.
- Describe your concerns in your own words — you do not need legal or technical language.
Need Help?
- AUC general inquiries: 310-4282 (toll-free in Alberta) or info@auc.ab.ca
- AUC contact for this file: Joan Yu, Lead Application Officer — joan.yu@auc.ab.ca | 403-592-4380