Meta NASDAQ:META is expanding its artificial intelligence infrastructure with plans to build its first large-scale data center in Canada, a one-gigawatt facility in Alberta expected to cost about C$9 billion and take two to three years to complete.
Meta said the Alberta project will become its 33rd global data center. The company selected a site in Sturgeon County, citing available power capacity, an established industrial zone and a regulatory environment that supports large infrastructure developments.
Meta is increasing spending on AI infrastructure as it looks to support growing demand for computing capacity. The company is also exploring a cloud computing business that could allow customers to access AI models or lease excess computing resources, broadening revenue opportunities beyond its advertising operations.
Meta said the project is expected to employ more than 3,000 construction workers at peak activity while supporting local infrastructure initiatives and community programs. The company added that it coordinated with regional energy providers and grid operators to secure future electricity needs for the facility.