SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC. Announces Major Data Centre Development in Olds, Alberta

$10 Billion Investment Positions Olds as a National Hub for Advanced Data Infrastructure and AI

SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC. has announced plans for a proposed one-gigawatt (1 GW) data centre development in Olds, Alberta. The project represents a $10 billion private-sector investment over an estimated two-year construction period and is expected to deliver significant economic, employment, and technological benefits at the local, regional, and national levels.

Once fully developed, the facility would be approximately ten times larger than existing data centres currently operating in Canada, positioning Olds and Alberta at the forefront of advanced digital infrastructure to support rising demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-intensive technologies.

The project is expected to include the creation of 2,000 construction jobs during development, more than 1,000 long-term high-skilled technology and operations jobs once fully operational, and significant municipal revenue that would strengthen community services and long-term fiscal sustainability.

According to SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC., Olds was selected due to several strategic advantages, including direct access to industrial natural gas infrastructure, robust fibre connectivity, and the community’s ideal location between Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.

“Olds was the clear choice for this $10 billion investment because of the community’s proactive vision and the exceptional responsiveness of Invest Olds and the Town of Olds,” said Jason van Gaal, CEO, SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC. “This collaboration allowed us to advance at the speed required by global technology timelines while leveraging a strategic location between Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer that provides unparalleled access to a skilled workforce and robust supply chains. By creating over 1,000 long-term, high-skilled technology jobs and contributing significantly to the local tax base, we are ensuring that the benefits of the global AI boom are felt directly here in Olds.”

Jason van Gaal brings proven leadership and a strong track record in hyperscale data infrastructure. He is also the founder of Root Data Center, a company that supported major cloud providers and was successfully acquired by Compass Datacenters as part of a $3 billion transaction.

The facility is proposed to be powered by a closed-cycle natural gas system designed to achieve low emissions. The power generation system would be self-supplied and not connected to the provincial electrical grid, reducing strain on public infrastructure while supporting operational reliability. The water system, a closed-loop design, would only require a single fill with less than 1% of the Town’s daily water consumption. Eliminating the need to draw continuously from the Town’s water system.

All required regulatory and environmental approvals will be pursued through appropriate bodies, including the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), and applicable provincial and federal assessment processes.

“Olds is proud to be considered for what could become one of the most significant digital infrastructure investments in Canada,” said Dan Daley, Mayor of Olds. “This is a major milestone for our community and will offer many wonderful benefits – from jobs to taxes. We’re pleased with the professionalism and accountability Synapse has demonstrated.  Our town is uniquely positioned and prepared, and we know this will have a positive impact on Olds and the region. We look forward to working closely with partners and ensuring this initiative is approached responsibly and transparently.”

“Olds is increasingly being recognized as a community that can move from opportunity to action,” said Sandra Blyth, Economic Development Manager, Invest Olds. “We’re proud to support investment attraction that is proactive, professional, and aligned with the future, creating the conditions where major private-sector investment can happen. Global technology investments move quickly, and our role with Invest Olds is to support early-stage coordination, help advance project readiness efficiently, and ensure the right partners are at the table, while keeping transparency and community alignment at the centre of the process.”

“Olds College of Agriculture & Technology was engaged early in discussions to explore potential opportunities for future programming and applied research,” said Todd Orman, VP External Relations and Research. “As projects of this scale evolve, we see value in ensuring education, workforce development, and innovation are part of the conversation from the start.”

Additional project details, timelines, and regulatory milestones will be released as approvals progress.

Media Contacts

Invest Olds, Media & Communications
TOWN OF OLDS / INVEST OLDS
info@investolds.ca
(403) 507.4839

SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC.
media@synapsedatacenter.com
(403) 763.2873

About SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC.

SYNAPSE DATA CENTER INC. is a data infrastructure development company focused on delivering large-scale, next-generation data centre solutions that support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced digital technologies. The company prioritizes operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and strategic partnerships to meet the evolving demands of the global digital economy.

About INVEST OLDS

Invest Olds is the Town of Olds’ investment attraction and business development initiative, focused on supporting economic diversification and advancing high-value projects that strengthen the local and regional economy. Invest Olds provides investors with concierge-style support and coordinated municipal guidance to help projects move efficiently from early planning through to execution. Since its inception, Invest Olds has supported major investment opportunities representing over $11 billion in proposed and active projects. Olds is recognized as an investment-ready community offering a strategic Alberta location and a collaborative approach that helps convert opportunity into real investment.