150 W Georgia (Steam Plant + Data Centre) | 10fl | U/C

[jrdtown]

The protesters' arguments might be correct or not, the true issue with using this space for a datacenter is its huge opportunity cost. The public infrastructure such as skytrain, buses, schools, roads, sidewalks, streetlamps, grocery stores, parks already exist within the immediate vicinity - using all of it to house computers, which could be placed literally anywhere else, will only reduce the existing infrastructure's ROI and will create costs somewhere else in the long run. There is no way that claimed benefit from reusing heat can be comparable. If additionally subsidized by taxpayers dollar, this will be mismanagement.

[officedweller]

The previous rendering had a hotel on top of the data centre.
If it could be built in anticipation of a phase 2 with either commercial office or hotel space built on top that would address a lot of the criticism.
The proximity to BC Place (noise and light) would lean against residential use.

[kikin]

Originally Posted by s211

Had to laugh my ass off at all the media headline hype: MASSIVE!!!! HUGE!!!!

Honestly ?!?!?!? May I perhaps introduce you to a thing called a dictionary that provides definitions of words?

Is anybody actually buying the BS the media was selling?

every story the mainstream media reports now has a bias and agenda built in, that and click-bait for impressions

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by jrdtown

The protesters' arguments might be correct or not, the true issue with using this space for a datacenter is its huge opportunity cost. The public infrastructure such as skytrain, buses, schools, roads, sidewalks, streetlamps, grocery stores, parks already exist within the immediate vicinity - using all of it to house computers, which could be placed literally anywhere else, will only reduce the existing infrastructure's ROI and will create costs somewhere else in the long run. There is no way that claimed benefit from reusing heat can be comparable. If additionally subsidized by taxpayers dollar, this will be mismanagement.

I mean everything is a compromise/opportunity cost. Heritage building retention, view cones, downtown office zoning, single family housing, golf courses, park land, luxury condo towers..

Not saying you're wrong but I don't think even if it does get built it's some gigantic loss for the downtown core. I doubt the hotel proposal is a consideration if it wasn't brought up with the proposal.

[Ailurus]

Really losing a lot of respect for some of the forumers here based on the last few posts...

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by jrdtown

The protesters' arguments might be correct or not, the true issue with using this space for a datacenter is its huge opportunity cost. The public infrastructure such as skytrain, buses, schools, roads, sidewalks, streetlamps, grocery stores, parks already exist within the immediate vicinity - using all of it to house computers, which could be placed literally anywhere else, will only reduce the existing infrastructure's ROI and will create costs somewhere else in the long run. There is no way that claimed benefit from reusing heat can be comparable. If additionally subsidized by taxpayers dollar, this will be mismanagement.

That's a good point. This could really go anywhere, why use valuable land in the downtown core. I've yet to see a reliable stat showing how many jobs are associated running such a datacentre.

[s211]

Originally Posted by jrdtown

The protesters' arguments might be correct or not, the true issue with using this space for a datacenter is its huge opportunity cost. The public infrastructure such as skytrain, buses, schools, roads, sidewalks, streetlamps, grocery stores, parks already exist within the immediate vicinity - using all of it to house computers, which could be placed literally anywhere else, will only reduce the existing infrastructure's ROI and will create costs somewhere else in the long run. There is no way that claimed benefit from reusing heat can be comparable. If additionally subsidized by taxpayers dollar, this will be mismanagement.

The fact of the matter is that several very large groups currently on Central Steam are all working to detach themselves from the system, and convert to their own on-site electric boilers.

There aren't enough buyers for Central Steam's product. The business model is on life support and so how about selling to itself to run a data centre?

[officedweller]

Georgia Viaduct closed this Saturday for crane removal.

According to the City, the Georgia Viaduct will be closed for both drivers and pedestrians beginning on Saturday, May 30 at 6 a.m., till 8 p.m.

The reason for the closure is to support crane removal at a nearby development at 150 West Georgia Street. The closure will start at the intersection of West Georgia Street and Beatty Street, and it will end at Prior Street

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/georgia-viaduct-vancouver-closure#google_vignette

[Zepfancouver]

Construction Crane dismantling at the Steam Plant today May 30, 2026 - Edit: Are they going to replace that crane, it looks like it is still needed for the contruction?

Right now captured from Vancouver Views Live

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxyNjFKwzJA
On imgur Steam Plant + Data Centre - 150 W Georgia - May 30, 2026 - Removing the Construction Crane

[jollyburger]

https://trafficcams.vancouver.ca/beattyGeorgia.htm

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by Zepfancouver

Construction Crane dismantling at the Steam Plant today May 30, 2026 - Edit: Are they going to replace that crane, it looks like it is still needed for the contruction?

There will obviously be some sort of crane needed to build a new structure on the podium they're just finishing, but they haven't got an approval to build the Telus data centre yet. It could need a different crane in future?

I'm not sure if they need a new rezoning to develop it, or whether they can alter the form of the current approval to reflect the changes they are now proposing. Either way they'll need a development permit.

[madog222]

They first need to decommission and demolish the existing steam plant after the new plant is fully commissioned. Even if permits were ready they're probably close to two years away from needing the crane for the next phase.

[jollyburger]

I guess a new crane could be placed closer to Beatty. I think the data centre usage for the site was approved in 2023?

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/150-w-georgia-st

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I guess a new crane could be placed closer to Beatty. I think the data centre usage for the site was approved in 2023?

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/150-w-georgia-st

The use was added, but the application says 'The proposed amendment does not impact the form of development already approved.' That clearly won't be true for the new proposal. That's why I'm not sure if the existing rezoning covers the new project, and they can just submit a DP.