Dozens of band members gathered at the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Community Hall for an engagement session regarding the proposed Wonder Valley AI data center campus. However, the company behind the project was not present to address their inquiries.
The $70-billion, nine-gigawatt facility by O’Leary Digital in the Municipal District of Greenview is situated approximately 130 kilometers southwest of the SLCN reserve. During the session, SLCN lawyer Francco De Luca discussed the project’s history, concerns, and the regulatory and consultory challenges it faces.
De Luca emphasized the importance of consultation to uphold the Crown’s Aboriginal treaty rights and comply with regulatory processes such as the Water Act and Environmental Protection Enhancement Act. He expressed worries about the project, citing the exemption of a provincial impact assessment and SLCN’s ongoing judicial review of the project’s water license.
Concerns raised during the presentation included heat emissions, noise, and impacts on wildlife, particularly in the area where hunting and trapping activities occur. Chief Sheldon Sunshine highlighted the significance of the land for traditional practices like harvesting plants and hunting, expressing concerns about potential disruptions caused by the project.
O’Leary Digital CEO Paul Palandjian stated efforts to avoid animal corridors in site planning and emphasized a dedicated area on the site map for wildlife preservation. The question and answer session was limited to SLCN band members, with concerns mainly focused on environmental impacts and lack of consultation.
Despite O’Leary Digital’s absence at the session, the company expressed commitment to respectful consultation with the community, citing recent challenges that led to their decision not to attend. SLCN confirmed that the company was invited but declined to participate, prompting concerns among community members.
Chief Sunshine emphasized the need for meaningful engagement and expressed lingering worries and questions regarding the Wonder Valley project. As discussions continue, the community remains eager for further dialogue and clarification on the project’s potential effects.
