Town of Olds Welcomes Data District Inc. with Major Data Centre Investment Supporting Alberta’s Digital Economy

Invest Olds is excited to announce the opening of Data District Inc. in the Town of Olds, an incredible boost to the community and regional economy. The announcement represents a major private-sector investment which supports the Government of Alberta’s focus on large-scale digital structure development to prepare the province for growth.

Invest Olds has been working closely with Data District Inc. since September 2025, providing investment attraction support, site readiness coordination, and local partnership connections throughout the decision-making process.

Data District Inc. is expected to have a state-of-the-art data centre campus commercially operational in the second half of 2026. The project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Olds and the surrounding region.

Key anticipated impacts include the creation of approximately 200 indirect jobs during 2026, along with 70 permanent positions by the end of 2026, growing to an estimated 150 permanent jobs by 2029–2030. The project is also expected to generate between $200 million and $300 million in investment in Olds in 2026, with a further $500 million projected over the following four to five years, contingent on the planned 55MW power expansion being advanced in collaboration with Fortis Alberta.

This investment forms part of a broader provincial expansion of data centre capacity, positioning Alberta as a competitive global hub for AI-enabled computing, digital infrastructure, and next-generation energy integration.

According to Data District Inc., Olds was selected based on several strategic advantages, including:

• A reduced go-to-market timeline enabled by pre-existing site infrastructure
• Proximity to Calgary and its international airport
• Strong broadband connectivity thanks to former O-NET infrastructure.
• Close proximity to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, creating opportunities for potential collaboration on workforce development, technical training programs, and applied research.
• Town of Olds’ openness and proactive stance toward new and emerging digital technologies, a critical factor for long-term infrastructure investment
• Collaboration with Invest Olds, providing local support, streamlined navigation of municipal processes, and a dedicated point of contact to accelerate project planning and implementation

“Every site we select is developed with a long-term business perspective in mind, and Olds stood out as a community that understands the future of digital infrastructure and is prepared to grow with it,” said Carlos Caldas, Chief Executive Officer, Data District Inc. in its site assessment.

“Data District’s decision to locate in Olds validates our community’s readiness for advanced technology investment. This project will deliver high-quality jobs, diversify our local economy, and create long-term opportunities for residents, businesses, and post-secondary partners.” said Sandra Blyth, Economic Development Manager, Invest Olds/Town of Olds.

Dan Daley, Mayor of the Town of Olds, emphasized the broader significance of the announcement:
“This is a landmark moment for Olds, positioning our community for the future. Council has been intentional about fostering innovation, infrastructure readiness, and responsible growth, and this project reflects that vision coming to life.”

Investments in data centres are growing across rural Alberta due to the Government of Alberta’s Broadband Strategy. The Town of Olds is committed to working with the province and developers to manage this growth in a responsible and sustainable manner.

About Invest Olds

Invest Olds is the Town of Olds’ investment attraction and business development initiative, dedicated to supporting economic diversification, facilitating strategic investment, and strengthening partnerships that drive long-term prosperity for the community and region.

Media Contact:

Brent Williams
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Olds
403-507-4800