The proponents of building a 400-megawatt data centre in Sault Ste. Marie say the project is in the very early stages and still must clear several hurdles before it becomes a reality. If it receives all the necessary approvals, Red Jar Energy Partners and Algoma Steel would open the centre in the fourth quarter of 2029. “Red Jar has submitted an application to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of its formal connection assessment process,” Ron Dizy said in an email to CTV News. “Securing a position in the IESO queue is an early and preliminary step that allows the technical assessment of a potential project to proceed. It does not constitute an approval nor does it imply a final investment decision or a commitment to proceed with the project.” Long approvals process Before deciding to proceed, the partners need IESO and municipal approvals and must go through regulatory, technical and environmental review and approval processes -- including the province’s Data Centre Playbook that was recently unveiled. Algoma Steel spokesperson Laura Devoni said that should the project move to the next stage, a community consultation process would follow. “We recognize the community interest in data centre development and the important questions regarding electricity requirements, infrastructure, environmental impacts and the potential benefits to Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding region,” Devoni said. “If the assessment progresses, Algoma Steel and Red Jar intend to engage with the city, Indigenous communities, other community stakeholders and the broader public to better understand these considerations and inform decisions as the project advances.” In an interview, Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker also emphasized that the project is far from becoming a reality. “Once the province determines whether or not there’s enough power -- and where that power is located in the province -- there’s a discussion to be had at council,” Shoemaker said. That discussion would centre on whether the data centre is a viable project for the city. “It’s certainly not something that’s before us at the moment,” he added.
