SHONDELL SABAD, SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AT AEG

Big project announcements often invite skepticism. Albertans have seen no shortage of ambitious proposals that generate headlines – only to fade away quietly. That’s why the Synapse Data Center proposal in Olds stands out, not merely for its scale but for the solid fundamentals underpinning it.

There are strong reasons to be optimistic – and supportive – about this one.

First, the site selection makes sense. Olds offers proximity to Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, along with existing fibre connectivity, reliable energy access, and available land. These are not theoretical perks; they’re core requirements for hyperscale digital infrastructure.

Second, this project is market-driven, not subsidy-driven. Global demand for data capacity, AI processing, and cloud infrastructure continues to accelerate. Alberta’s cost competitiveness, energy reliability, and cool climate align naturally with that demand, giving this investment a strong foundation.

Third, Synapse is proposing modern, water-efficient cooling technology that significantly reduces water use compared to traditional data centres. In a province where responsible resource management matters, this is a meaningful differentiator – it shows that large-scale investment and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive; they can move forward hand-in-hand.

Fourth, the project has local and regional buy-in. Municipal alignment, infrastructure readiness, and community support dramatically lower execution risk. Projects tend to stall when those pieces are missing; here, they’re in sync.

For Alberta’s SMEs, opportunity becomes tangible. From construction and maintenance to IT services, logistics, and workforce training, the economic ripple effects are real and long-term.

At Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG), we believe optimism should be grounded in fundamentals. The Synapse Data Centre reflects exactly that. AEG commends the Town of Olds and the team at Invest Olds on this monumental announcement. 

Click HERE for more information about the Synapse Data Center proposal.