It’s the type of massive economic development prize that Alberta communities typically pursue with zeal.

The potential economic benefits of the proposal are eye-popping: an estimated $5 billion of capital spending in a first phase, with 1,000 construction jobs, at least 150 operations positions and the potential for up to 700 over time.

Varcoe: Massive new Alberta data centre proposal takes form, as municipal leaders face questions from 'wary' public Back to video

It could inject $24 million of municipal tax revenue annually, while the province would garner $65 million through a levy, according to the proponents.

The newly named Boreal Technology Hub data centre in Parkland County would be located in an area with other industrial development and has well-known, capable proponents.

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However, in an era of growing data centre concerns, there are also plenty of questions.

“People are really wanting to make sure that all the due diligence is being done,” said Parkland County Coun. Kristine Olson, who lives about 20 minutes from the site and attended an open house on the project earlier this month.

“People are wary. They really want to feel like they have a full understanding . . . I’m going to continue to listen and learn, and ask questions.”

Such feelings are increasingly common among municipal leaders evaluating similar proposals as the province seeks to attract more than $100 billion of data centre investment by 2030 — but also face vocal opposition.

A number of data centre initiatives are early-stage proposals; others have been approved, including the........

© Calgary Herald