Protesters oppose proposed data centre near Ermineskin Cree Nation
Published 9:22 am Friday, September 25, 2026
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A protest to oppose the development permit for a data centre was held at Range Road 245 and Township Road 460 in the County of Wetaskiwin on Sept. 19.
At the site of the project, (three miles west of Highway 13) protesters held up signs with various slogans including “No data centres. Protect mother earth,” “No to data centres,” and “Protect our grasslands.”
A smudging was held before speeches began. Speakers included Jamie Smallboy and activist Jasona Rondeau.
“Young people that are here, picture the seven generations that aren’t even born that are standing out here today,” said Smallboy.
“It’s scary because this company is considering the little flyers that they dropped off at the houses around here, within a 1.5 mile radius, they’re considering that consultation. That’s not consultation.”
Smallboy also noted it’s unclear where the company is based, so it’s unknown how to contact them about the site, which close to Ermineskin Cree Nation’s border in the County of Wetaskiwin.
“If you look around, there is incredible farm land all over,” she said.
She noted that the development would impact Indigenous people and the farming community, and as the land is within Treaty 6 territory there is a duty to consult.
Appeal forms were onsite with volunteers to help people fill them out if needed.
The county has approved a discretionary development permit for an 860 foot data processing facility, that would include a data container, generator container and a separator building.
The deadline to appeal the permit was Sept. 17.
In May, the county approved an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) to establish a framework for the potential development of data processing facilities within the county.
The amendment was initiated following an application from an external proponent.
Council undertook a review process, including a public hearing held on April 7.
The revised LUB includes definitions and regulations for minor and major data processing facilities, based on size.
Under the bylaw, facilities under 1,280 square feet are considered smaller-scale and may be located in agricultural or industrial districts, while larger developments are required to be located in industrial districts, subject to review and approval.
In a statement posted online earlier this month, Ermineskin Cree Nation (ECN) said it was reviewing concerns over the Radiant Ridge data centre project and that lack of consultation.
“The Nation became aware of the project through independent means rather than through direct notification from the project proponent or its consultants,” the post reads.
“Despite our reserve being located immediately adjacent to the proposed project area, ECN was not contacted through its official consultation channels before the project moved forward in the regulatory process.
“Our concern is not necessarily whether the project should be approved or denied. Our concern is whether Ermineskin Cree Nation was given a meaningful opportunity to participate and provide input at the stage when consultation was intended to occur.”
The statement said since becoming aware of the project, Ermineskin Industrial Relations and Consultation has contacted the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for clarification on consultation requirements and engaged directly with the project consultant and project representatives.
“Concerns remain regarding the missed opportunity for meaningful early engagement,” the statement concludes.
“ECN continues to assess available options and will keep community members informed as discussions progress.”