At an open house on June 4, 2026, in Grovedale Community Hall, locals confronted Kevin O'Leary's proposd Wonder Valley AI data centre about its environmental footprint and lack of transparent consultation. The $70 billion, nine‑gigawatt campus, slated to cover 64 sq km in the Municipal District of Greenview, sparked vocal opposition from residents like Casey Klein and Gloria Jaycox.

Heat, Water Use and Noise Claims Tested by Residents

Attendees questioned the company's promise that the facility will operate at a quiet 55 decibels on its perimeter, noting that the projected heat output could create a regional heat island. Critics also highlighted the claim of limiting water consumption to six million cubic metres annually, demanding proof of the floating barge and turbo‑cell technologies cited by CEO Paul Palandjian.

Indigenous Consultation Gaps Prompt Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Appeal

The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, located roughly 130 km from the site, urged the federal government to launch a full impact assessment, citing concerns over emissions, water draw, and exacerbating wildfires. According to the meeting report, Casey Klein called the current Indigenous outreach "limited" and demanded a comprehensive environmental review before any permits are granted.

Regulatory Status: Exemptions and Pending Approvals

The province’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas has already exempted the project from a formal review, citing standard power and water systems, yet the development still requires additional permits.. As the source noted, the company asserts the campus will not tap the existing power grid, aiming to shield ratepayers from added costs.

What Remains Unclear About the $70 B Investment

Key unknowns include the timeline for securing the remaining approvals, the detailed methodology for the promised water‑saving technologies, and whether a truly independent environmental impact assessment will ever be conducted.. The source did not provide a response from provincial officials to the community’s demands.