Construction on AI Data Centre Near Regina Could Begin This Spring, Premier Moe Announces
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has revealed that Bell Canada's ambitious artificial intelligence data centre project near Regina could move forward with construction as early as this spring. The announcement was made during a news conference at Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology Park, where Moe was joined by Bell Canada president and CEO Mirko Bibic.
Massive $1.3-Billion Project Set to Transform Canadian AI Infrastructure
The multi-phase campus represents a $1.3-billion investment that will be constructed on a 160-acre parcel in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, just south of Regina. Once completed, this facility will become the largest AI data centre operating in Canada, according to Premier Moe's statements during the announcement.
"This facility will be the largest of its kind operating in our nation," Moe declared in his speech. "And while the project site is in the RM of Sherwood, I'm sure the benefits are going to spread so much further than that."
The data centre will constitute 300 megawatts of Bell Canada's comprehensive 800-megawatt plan to establish an AI network across Canada. The project is expected to help Canada claim sovereignty over its data while supporting various economic sectors that increasingly depend on artificial intelligence technology.
Addressing Environmental Concerns and Infrastructure Requirements
The project has faced public scrutiny since Bell Canada filed a zoning application with the RM in February. A public petition with more than 9,000 signatures has circulated online, raising questions about potential environmental impacts including water usage, noise pollution, and effects on surrounding farmland.
In response to these concerns, Bibic clarified that the centre will not utilize municipal water reserves. Instead, a specific industrial type of water will be shipped to the site and employed in a closed-loop cooling system to prevent the processing systems from overheating.
Power Sourcing and Economic Implications
Bell Canada plans to purchase electricity from SaskPower and TransGas, a subsidiary of SaskEnergy, while also constructing a private substation and natural gas generator on site. Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for the Crown Investments Corporation, noted that this arrangement will make Bell Canada "a very large" industrial customer on SaskPower's books.
"Having that large new customer with the power already available will actually serve as a mitigating factor on electricity costs," Harrison explained to reporters.
When questioned about regulatory oversight, Moe assured that "all the various reviews that are necessary... have been done and I assume they've been approved." A government communications spokesperson confirmed that Bell has followed standard processes, policies, and regulatory requirements applicable to any large industrial customer.
Broader Implications for Saskatchewan and Canada
The AI data centre project represents a significant technological advancement for Saskatchewan and positions the province at the forefront of Canada's artificial intelligence infrastructure development. As various economic sectors increasingly rely on AI technology, this facility is expected to provide crucial support while reinforcing Canada's data sovereignty.
The announcement comes amid growing national interest in AI infrastructure development, with Bell Canada's comprehensive network plan signaling a substantial commitment to technological advancement across the country.
