Public Affairs

Democratic Governance | Energy Policy | Environmental Policy | Public Affairs | Technology Governance

MODEL DATA CENTRE DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS BYLAW
ByLawrence Nault September 12, 2026

The result is a model framework for regulating the development, infrastructure, operation and eventual closure of data centres.

It is deliberately jurisdiction-neutral. No municipality should download it and enact it word-for-word.

Planning legislation differs. Municipal authority differs. Electricity and utility regulation differs. Environmental law differs. Building and fire codes differ. Indigenous consultation obligations differ. Enforcement powers and terminology differ.

Every provision therefore needs to be treated as a recommendation for consideration, adapted to local circumstances, and reviewed by appropriate legal and technical professionals.

It is a resource. Not legal advice.

Read the proposal → MODEL DATA CENTRE DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS BYLAW
Energy Policy | Environmental Policy | Privacy & Data Rights | Public Affairs | Technology Governance

What’s Missing From the Bylaw?
ByLawrence Nault August 30, 2026

The County of Newell is trying to write data-centre rules before major projects arrive. Civic Sketches examines what the draft bylaw gets right, what may still be missing, and proposes real amendments residents and municipalities can adapt, challenge and use.

Read the proposal → What’s Missing From the Bylaw?
Public Affairs

Is Alberta Approaching Its Own October Crisis?
ByLawrence Nault August 23, 2026August 23, 2026

The FLQ needed an organization to create and maintain a network. Today, the network itself can perform many of the functions that once required an organization.

That does not mean Alberta’s separation movement is a violent extremist movement. It means that “show me the terrorist organization” is no longer an adequate test for determining whether a political environment is beginning to develop conditions in which extra-democratic action becomes more imaginable.

Read the proposal → Is Alberta Approaching Its Own October Crisis?