Prairie Sky Data Solutions prepares to launch local AI data center

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prairie Sky Data Solutions announced Aug. 2 their intent to begin operations in Strathmore, as they are retrofitting a facility to house an AI-compatible data center. 

Stan Swiatek, founder of Prairie Sky Data Solutions, explained the company has been working for the better part of the last year on the groundwork necessary to prepare for officially launching the facility. 

“Traditionally, there are just data centers that house data. The difference between this one is that it is compatible with massive amounts of processing required for AI, and that is what there are very few of. That is what makes it kind of unique,” he said. “This allows businesses to be able to access AI. What we are missing here is, the newest technology in order to drive and work AI. That’s what this processing centre is.”

Swiatak added Alberta is a perfect location for a facility of this type, having easy and regular access to the tremendous amounts of electricity required to power their operations. 

He favours Strathmore, having been a part of the local business community for the last seven years, as well as local infrastructure providing an ideal environment.

“In doing this over the last year, plus, we required municipal support. We brought the project to them; there has been a lot of research, and assistance from them, and what is involved. It does bring quite a bit of revenue and taxation to the town,” said Swiatek. “The initial power source should have us operational before June of next year. We will be adding to it in order for expanding that we are anticipating. There are a lot of hoops to jump through in doing that and getting additional power to the source we already have.”

Angela Groeneveld, senior manager of economic development with the Town of Strathmore, explained the repurposed facility was formerly utilized as a cannabis manufacturing plant. 

The eventual idea is to expand from the one building currently being retrofitted into all of the remnants from Swiatek’s previous company. 

“They are trying to do as much local procurement as they can, and they have been a great partner to work with the town, because they have been at the table with their CEO quite a bit talking about how they can give back to the community,” said Groeneveld. “The announcement is just a teaser, just a coming soon – so as the applications are coming in, I know that they have already secured clients and workforce, and equipment. They will be doing a big celebration in the community in Q3, in the fall, in Strathmore, and that is where they will be doing the formal announcement.”