Local First Nation signs letter of intent for major data centre

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local northeast First Nation has taken a bold step towards building a data centre within Fort St. John.

In a March 5th press release, Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) announced it has signed a letter of intent with ABCT Pacific.

The size, scope and cost of the project will be determined through a feasibility process both parties have entered, with PRFN being the majority owner.

The letter of intent means PRFN will explore the construction and operation of a major data centre, according to the release.

Data centres are storage facilities for computing machines and the hardware they require, such as servers, data storage drives and networking equipment.

ABCT Pacific, a division of Alberta Clean Technologies Inc., says on its website it focuses on “strategically growing British Columbia’s most innovative clean technology companies, offering a unique opportunity.”

The release says, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and technology-based data storage demands, the “need for facilities of this type has grown incrementally.”

PRFN Chief Valerie Askoty spoke of the opportunity on March 5th, calling it a “win-win-win” for Fort St. John, the province of B.C. and the people of PRFN.

“This is a unique and forward-looking opportunity that speaks to economic development that will benefit Prophet River First Nation, its people and operations,” said Askoty. “It gives us tremendous involvement in the rapidly-growing information economy.”

Lori Ackerman, PRFN’s chief administrative officer, said the deal signed today represents a First Nation ownership opportunity in an industry that is “badly needed.”

 “We’re going to take a look at what size of a data centre would be feasible [and] where it’s going to be located,” said Ackerman. 

“Organizations like the health [department] or government or businesses, they have servers and routers and storage systems, and so a lot of times they’re looking for larger facilities to hold bigger files. 

“Canadian regulations require the data be kept in Canada – we are definitely in Canada and able to provide that service.”

Further information about PRFN is available on the First Nation’s website.