Westlock County Revises Data Processing Bylaw to Accommodate Crypto Infrastructure

Westlock County, Canada, is amending its Data Processing Facilities Bylaw to facilitate larger digital infrastructure projects, including cryptocurrency mining and blockchain operations. The revised regulations, reintroduced on July 8, will categorize facilities based on energy consumption, with major operations requiring industrial zoning.

The bylaw update explicitly mentions processing digital currency, NFTs, and blockchain transactions as permitted activities. This MOVE signals growing institutional recognition of crypto-related infrastructure as a legitimate industrial activity.

Energy requirements serve as the key differentiator - facilities using 1MW or more must locate in industrial zones, while smaller operations face fewer restrictions. The amendment builds on initial legislation passed in April 2022, reflecting evolving regulatory approaches to digital asset infrastructure.