Data centre proposal in Olds ‘consuming’ the lives of some living next door – CBC

May 04, 2026

‘I am a mom by day and a researcher and emailer by night,’ says one Olds resident

Marnie Desjardins set down roots in Olds, Alta., a few years after moving to the town in 1986, eventually purchasing a home on the west side.

The mature trees, interesting architecture and friendly neighbours are just some of her favourite parts of living in the agricultural hub, which is home to about 10,000 residents.

But since January, her mostly quiet life has become upended, she said, after Synapse Data Center Inc. proposed a massive data centre project and accompanying natural gas plant right near her home.