MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw resident Jeff Deagle has launched a petition urging a pause on a proposed data centre project.
Last year, Carpere Valley Development Corporation (rebranded as Aztec), which purchased the land encompassing the former Valley View Centre, announced its intention to build a data centre. Carpere had originally submitted a concept plan for the site in 2022, including a mixed-use of commercial and residential buildings, but without any plans for a data centre.
At the June 9 meeting of Moose Jaw’s executive committee, a revised concept plan outlining a data centre was presented, which led Deagle to launch his petition, citing sudden changes.
“This new amending concept plan essentially eliminated the entire plan that was previously proposed in exchange for the implementation of a 150-megawatt AI data centre. And then it also sought not to have public consultation, as under the previous proposal, public consultation was already done.”
In a 2026 report by Aztec, it was noted that the only public consultation on the revised plan took place during the initial project announcement.
Deagle also took issue with minimal information on preventing sound pollution.
“If you review any of the current literature on data centres, the sound issues are twofold: one is interior sound, and the second is exterior sound and interior sound in relation to the noise and environment as it relates to employees. And some steps can be taken to minimize sound within the facility.
“But it’s the external sound that affects the outside environment. And that often comes from equipment and machines that are on top of the building that aren't subject to the interior soundproofing,” he added.
The report notes the use of low-speed, high-volume cooling fans along with acoustic baffling on all intake and exhaust ports. Aztec also intends to minimize noise impacts on nearby residential and commercial properties.
Deagle worries about residential properties near the site.
"There are a number of residential properties within a 90-metre radius that already exist on the old Valley View site, and several within. So there are a substantial number of residential properties within the needed vicinity. So there's certainly that potential concern depending on the size of the facility.”
Moose Jaw councillors agreed that more information was required in the amendment plan before it could be passed.
The report was referred back to administration for additional details, though no timeline was given for when it would return.
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the City of Moose Jaw said public consultation will occur if the plan progresses.
“Approval of the concept plan amendment would not be the final approval: a zoning bylaw amendment would still be required, including public notice and a public hearing, and future development applications in the Direct Control District would continue to require Council approval. The city will continue to follow the required planning and public notice processes.”
As for Deagle, he is hopeful no data centres will be constructed at the site.
Aztec previously indicated wanting to start construction on the data centre this year.
