Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd. | Proposed ’Clive Facility’

The proposed development is confined to an approximately 144 m by 108 m facility area and is intended to contain the principal operational components of the project, including generator units, hydro-cooling data processing containers, electrical and control equipment, gas tie-in infrastructure, internal access, and ancillary site improvements, within a controlled and secured area.

A number of relevant technical studies were carried out as part of the development of this Concept Plan to evaluate drainage, traffic, environmental protection, erosion and sediment control, noise management, fire safety, and emergency response considerations.

The Redesignation Request Letter and Concept Plan and Technical Studies address the following items:
•    Planning justification and site-specific land use rationale; 
•    Project overview and development concept; 
•    Existing site conditions and surrounding land use context; 
•    Transportation and site access assessment; 
•    Drainage and stormwater management considerations; 
•    Environmental management and mitigation measures; 
•    Noise, air quality, and environmental protection considerations; 
•    Landscaping, screening, and lighting measures; and 
•    Fire safety, emergency response, and long-term operational planning. 

The proposal requires municipal approval in two stages: first, a redesignation of the facility area to the Heavy Industrial ‘I-HI’ District, and second, a future development permit application to authorize the proposed power generation and data processing centre uses.

The Heavy Industrial ‘I HI’ District is intended for large-scale industrial manufacturing and processing, including power generation (non-renewable) and major processing facilities. Successful redesignation would not authorize development directly; detailed evaluation would occur at the development permit application stage.

If the facility area is successfully redesignated, a future development permit application would be required for the proposed combination of uses. The power generation component would be considered a permitted use under “industrial, heavy manufacturing and processing,” while the “data processing centre” would be a discretionary use in the Heavy Industrial ‘I-HI’ District. At the development permit stage, the County would review the proposal in detail and may apply conditions to address site-specific municipal matters not fully addressed through provincial approvals.

In addition to municipal approvals, the project will be subject to all applicable provincial, utility, environmental, electrical, and safety regulatory requirements, ensuring that development and operation of the facility meet the standards established by the relevant authorities. The table below outlines the primary regulatory agencies, their scope of review, and the associated approvals required for the proposed Clive Facility:
 

Yes. In addition to the developer-led public meeting described above, Lacombe County is required to complete its own municipal public engagement process before Council decides on the proposed redesignation bylaw.

Under the Municipal Government Act, a Public Hearing is required before Council gives second reading to certain bylaws, including amendments to a land use bylaw, such as a proposed redesignation. This process provides a formal opportunity for public input through a Council Public Hearing, and it allows members of the public, affected landowners, the applicant, and other interested parties to provide comments directly to Council before Council considers the proposed bylaw further.

The Public Hearing does not approve or refuse the redesignation application on its own; instead, it ensures Council has heard public comments, questions, concerns, and supporting information before deciding whether to proceed with the redesignation bylaw.

In advance of the Public Hearing, the County will publicly notify the community of the hearing date, time, location, and purpose, so that interested parties have an opportunity to review the proposal and decide whether to provide input to Council. Notice of the Public Hearing will be advertised through the County’s public notification channels, including social media, a local newspaper, and County News. The County will also directly mail notice of the Public Hearing to affected parties in accordance with the County’s notification process and applicable legislative requirements.