AI is booming: The grid has other plans

AI may be digital, but the infrastructure behind it is anything but. As demand for AI, cloud computing, and data storage accelerates, access to power, suitable sites, and reliable buildings is becoming increasingly important. From where data centres can be developed, to how increasingly technology-dependent buildings are operated, the digital economy is creating a new set of challenges (and opportunities) for the sector.

At Montréal Real Estate Forum 2026, we spoke with industry experts David Cervantes and Vito Pelosi to explore the physical and operational realities behind the digital boom, and what they could mean for the future of real estate.

Power is becoming the new land value driver.

David Cervantes, Data Center Strategist, explores why power availability is becoming one of the defining factors in data centre development. With AI and cloud demand growing, grid constraints, sovereign data requirements, and changing planning considerations are influencing where digital infrastructure can be built. For real estate leaders assessing land and development opportunities, David offers insight into why power could increasingly determine the value and viability of a site:

The bigger implication for real estate? As digital infrastructure expands, access to power could become as important to development decisions as location itself.

Reliability is becoming a value driver

Vito Pelosi, President & Founder, Pelosi Property Advisors, looks at the operational side of increasingly technology-dependent CRE. His insights highlight how preventive maintenance and proactive building management can reduce disruption, improve tenant satisfaction, and support long-term asset performance. As buildings become more complex, reliability is no longer simply an operational consideration; it is part of the value proposition. Unlock the full insights:

The message is clear: reliable buildings create better experiences and stronger long-term performance.

The physical reality behind the digital boom

The growth of AI is creating demand for more than computing power. It requires land, energy, physical infrastructure, and buildings capable of delivering reliable performance. For stakeholders, understanding these requirements could reveal where new opportunities and new constraints will emerge as the digital economy continues to expand.

The next question is no longer whether AI will change real estate, but where the physical infrastructure needed to support it will come from.

Want to continue the conversation? Join 800+ senior real estate leaders at the Ottawa Real Estate Forum this October, where industry experts will explore the market trends, investment opportunities, and strategies shaping the infrastructure and technology trends shaping the future of CRE.