Barrhead County council has amended its Land Use Bylaw to introduce data processing facilities (minor) as a discretionary use within Agricultural Land Use Districts.
Council gave third reading to Bylaw No. 2-2026 during its regularly scheduled meeting on July 7, following a six-month consideration period that included a two-part public hearing.
Before the amendment was made, data processing facilities were not listed as a discretionary or permitted use in any of the county’s districts. This restricted the Municipal Planning Commission from even considering a proposal for this kind of development.
The amendment includes the following requirements for these developments, intended to protect agricultural land and neighbouring residents:
- Must consist of modular or portable structures
- Must limit on-site power generation to less than 10 MW
- Cannot use water-based cooling systems that draw on external water sources
- Must be co-located with an existing oil and gas facility
Additionally, applicants must outline how potential impacts such as noise, traffic, light pollution and other nuisance factors will be mitigated. County council also requires public consultation with landowners and occupants within 1,500 metres of a proposed site to be completed before an application is considered.
As a discretionary use, data processing facility developments would also remain subject to approval by the Municipal Planning Commission.
Depending on the proposal, applicants may also be required to submit a reclamation plan and provide financial security to ensure the used lands are restored to the satisfaction of the county.
“I believe the amendments made to the bylaw will address the concerns that council heard from residents and investors,” commented Deputy Reeve Walter Preugschas. “County will only consider data processing facilities that are minor in nature, do not use water for cooling, generate their own power and are located on land already disturbed by existing oil and gas facilities. At the same time, we are sending the message that the County of Barrhead is open for business.”
Under the amendments, any future proposal for a minor-scale data processing facility will require a development permit application that satisfies all county requirements, and any applicable provincial permits, licenses and approvals before being considered.
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Related:
- Barrhead County seeking public input on proposed changes to allow data processing facilities in the area
- Barrhead County council approves equipment purchase, project funding sources and recesses public hearing
- Barrhead County council reschedules public hearing on data processing facilities, hears annual CPO report
- Public hearing concerning data processing facilities scheduled in Barrhead County
