Lacombe County expands public information as Natural Gas Power Plant/Data Centre proposal enters review process

Residents can access project information, learn about upcoming engagement opportunities, and better understand how data centre developments are reviewed and approved.

Lacombe County wants the public to have a clear understanding of a proposed power generation and data centre facility currently under review, as well as the municipal process used to evaluate data centre developments within the County.

"We understand that this proposal has generated significant interest and discussion, both within Lacombe County and across Alberta," said Reeve John Ireland. "Residents have questions, and that's understandable. Our responsibility is to ensure people have access to clear, factual information about the project, the review process, and how public input will be considered. By creating dedicated information and project pages, we hope to help address confusion, provide trusted resources, and keep the community informed as the process moves forward."

The campaign includes a dedicated information webpage (www.lacombecounty.com/datacentres), frequently asked questions, background information on data centres, updates on the review process, and quick links to proposed projects in the County.

About the proposed project

Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd. is seeking approval to redesignate approximately 1.78 hectares (4.4 acres) of land on SE 16-40-24 W4M, to allow for a proposed integrated natural gas-fired power generation facility and data processing centre. The site is located on Haynes Road, south of Highway 12, approximately 5.5-kms southeast of the Village of Clive.

The project is currently in the preliminary stages of the municipal approval process and will require several municipal approvals before any development can proceed, including a land use rezoning application and a discretionary development permit.

At this stage, no municipal approvals have been granted, and no final decisions have been made by Lacombe County Council. You can find the project page at www.lacombecounty.com/ArmadaNowlitDC. 

"The County's role is to ensure every application receives a thorough, transparent, and evidence-based review," said Tim Timmons, County Manager. "Council has not taken a position on this proposal. Public engagement, technical review, and consideration of applicable policies must all occur before any decision is made."

Understanding the Development Review Process

As interest in data centre developments continues to grow, Lacombe County is committed to helping residents understand how these proposals are evaluated.

It’s important to note that data centres are not automatically approved in Lacombe County. Each proposal is reviewed individually against the County's Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and other applicable planning policies and regulations. Throughout the review process, County administration evaluates planning considerations such as land use compatibility, transportation impacts, infrastructure requirements, and compliance with municipal policies.

Public feedback is also an important component of Council's decision-making process.

For proposals such as the Armada Nowlit application, 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 review process generally includes:
•    Submission and review of a land use redesignation application;
•    Technical assessments and supporting studies;
•    Developer-led public engagement;
•    Statutory public notification requirements;
•    A Council Public Hearing;
•    Council consideration of the redesignation bylaw; 
•    Submission and review of a development permit application.
•    Municipal Planning Commission consideration of the development permit application; and
•    Any Notice of Decision will be circulated as required, with information on any rights to appeal.

Depending on the nature of a project, provincial agencies and utility providers may also require approvals related to environmental protection, power generation, electrical infrastructure, safety, and other regulatory matters.