Demand for data centre capacity in Canada is growing rapidly, driven by AI, cloud computing and digital transformation across the economy. Canada offers strong potential for development and investment, supported by demand for AI-ready infrastructure, a low-carbon energy mix and favourable conditions for large-scale projects. At the same time, market participants must navigate competition for land and power, grid capacity constraints, development approvals, permitting timelines, government requirements, municipal planning controls and differing provincial regimes for energy, land use and regulation.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together real estate, infrastructure, energy, financing, corporate, technology, privacy and regulatory experience to support clients across the data centre and digital infrastructure ecosystem, including developers, operators, investors, lenders, technology and cloud providers, telecommunications providers, enterprise users, utilities, energy providers, strategic partners, government and public sector organizations. We advise on projects from site acquisition and development through financing, operations, commercial arrangements and strategic transactions.
How We Help
Real Estate, Land Use and Development
We advise on site acquisition, development, construction, leasing, financing and dispositions, including deal structuring, due diligence, zoning, permitting, land use planning and approvals across Canadian jurisdictions.
Infrastructure and Government Policy
We help clients manage permitting, approvals, infrastructure requirements, procurement, government contracting, trade considerations, policy developments and regulatory proceedings affecting digital infrastructure projects.
Energy and Power Procurement
We advise on utility arrangements, transmission, interconnection, power purchase agreements, renewable integration and other procurement strategies that support capacity, sustainability and long-term viability.
Financing and Investment
We act for developers, investors and lenders on equity investments, joint ventures, reorganizations, project financings, strategic transactions and tax considerations.
Transactions and Commercial Arrangements
We advise on acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures, partnerships and operational agreements, including colocation, hosting, outsourcing, telecommunications, interconnection and service arrangements.
Technology, Privacy and Data Governance
We help clients address privacy, cybersecurity, AI governance, technology contracting, data residency, cross-border transfers, incident response and sector-specific regulatory compliance.
Types of Data Centre Matters We Handle
Our experience spans the full lifecycle of data centre and digital infrastructure projects. We regularly advise on:
- Site acquisition and ownership structuring
- Land use, zoning, permitting and regulatory matters
- Energy and power arrangements
- Development and construction
- Financing, investment and tax implications
- M&A and strategic transactions
- Commercial contracting
- Technology and IT arrangements
- Privacy, cybersecurity and data governance
- Telecommunications and interconnection arrangements
- Public procurement, government relations and contracting
- Security clearance and personnel screening requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors determine where a data centre should be located?
Site selection involves balancing access to scalable power, zoning and land use constraints, fibre connectivity and infrastructure readiness. In Canada, regional differences in energy policy, permitting timelines and grid capacity can significantly affect feasibility, timing and scalability.
2. How does power availability impact data centre projects?
Power availability can determine site viability, timelines, operating costs and long-term scalability, particularly for high-density and AI-enabled facilities. Utility access, transmission, interconnection and procurement strategies should be assessed early.
3. What are the key regulatory and approval considerations to developing a data centre in Canada?
Key considerations include municipal zoning and land use approvals, environmental and infrastructure permits, and energy-related approvals for grid connection and supply. Requirements and timelines vary by jurisdiction and often run alongside financing and construction.
