Telus officially opens new Kamloops Internet data centre

NEWS — Telus officially opened its new Internet data centre in Kamloops today serving what it calls “the next-generation cloud computer services for thousands of Canadian businesses.

The $75-million centre is expected to create 25 jobs in Kamloops and 50 elsewhere. The company said the new facility is part of $3 billion in infrastructure and facilities upgrades it’s making across B.C.

Construction began in June of 2012.

“The Kamloops Internet Data Centre will be the cornerstone of our national next-generation cloud computing services, handling complex data storage and offering unsurpassed connectivity, superior functionality, state-of-the-art security and industry-leading reliability to our clients,” said Lloyd Switzer, Telus’ senior vice president of network transformation.

“Kamloops is the perfect location for this world-class centre due to its geography, climate, proximity to our networks and clean power, and the presence of a highly skilled workforce.”

The centre is built to LEED environmental standards. Part of the design is an advanced cooling system that takes advantage of Kamloops’ naturally low humidity to consume 80 per cent less electricity and 86 per cent less water than typical data centres, according to a news release.

“The centre’s effective use of power will require at maximum only 40 hours of mechanical cooling energy per year, which will keep nearly 2,300 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment annually, the equivalent emissions of 10,000 Canadian households.” 

Kamloops South MLA Todd Stone said the new centre “will be such an asset to the community,” while Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake said it “further strengthens” the government’s working relationship with the company. 

“Telus’ investment in our city supports that Kamloops is recognized as not only a green and sustainable community, but also as a centre of innovation for business,” said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar.