Citing its proximity to Site C and the cooler climate needed for large-scale data storage, a Northern BC First Nation and a venture capital firm are exploring the possibility of building a large-scale data centre in the Fort St. John area.
Prophet River First Nation, an independent Dene Tsaa Nation, has entered into a letter of intent with ABCT Pacific Ltd., a BC-based venture capital corporation.
The partnership comes in response to the growing demand for data storage, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence and other technology sectors, the first nation stated in a press release.
Fort St. John, with its abundant energy resources such as hydroelectric power from the Site C Dam, is seen as an ideal location for the project. The area’s cooler climate further enhances its suitability, offering an advantage over more arid southern regions.
“This is a unique and forward-looking opportunity for economic development that will benefit Prophet River First Nation, its people and our operations,” said Prophet River Chief Valerie Askoty of Prophet River. “It gives us substantial involvement in the rapidly growing information economy, and we see it as a win for Prophet River, the Fort St. John area, and British Columbia as a whole.”
The size, scope and capital cost of the proposed data centre will be determined during the feasibility process, with Prophet River First Nation set to be the majority owner of the project.
Phil Kershaw, co-founder and CEO of ABCT Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are extremely honoured to be working with Chief Askoty and the Band Council on this vital and exciting opportunity,” Kershaw said. “This project is not only important for the British Columbia economy, but it also reflects vision, reconciliation, and economic diversification going forward.”
The project also drew support from Stewart Muir, co-founder and CEO of Resource Works, a Vancouver-based public interest advocacy group.
"BC has all the conditions needed to become a leader in secure, sustainable data storage," he said. "The province could position itself as a premier destination for the data economy.”
