Regina Mayor Expresses Enthusiasm for Proposed AI Data Centre Near City
Mayor Chad Bachynski has warmly welcomed the news that Bell Canada is seeking to develop a new artificial intelligence data and research centre just outside Regina. According to documents filed with the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, the telecommunications giant aims to proceed with construction as early as this year.
Proposal Details and Municipal Support
The proposal, which officially landed with the R.M. of Sherwood on January 9, seeks zoning approval to rezone a 160-acre parcel of land south of Regina along Park Street and Old Highway 16. The land would switch from agricultural use to light industrial use to accommodate the development.
"I see it as an exciting thing," Bachynski said on Wednesday. "I think there's a positive opportunity here, whether it's jobs or a service agreement or something to collaborate on with the municipality." The mayor expressed no opposition to the proposal, emphasizing its potential benefits for the local economy.
Project Scope and Infrastructure
According to the filed documents, the AI "data and research centre" would include offices, surface parking, and an on-site power substation from SaskPower. Although the developer is identified as a numbered corporation in Sherwood's reports, attached letters of support from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina confirm the project is part of Bell Canada's AI Fabric Project, announced in 2025.
A letter of intent describes the centre as a campus that will "serve as critical digital infrastructure for research and provincial AI enablement" to support "made-in-Canada computing capacity" and cybersecurity initiatives.
Municipal Cooperation and Planning
Because the land falls within a joint planning area shared by Regina and Sherwood, the city was consulted about the proposal. City planners agreed to waive a requirement for Bell Canada to file a concept plan prior to development, a step that typically examines servicing, tax revenue sharing, and transportation planning.
A letter signed by deputy city manager of city planning Deb Bryden states that this move aligns with changes the city is considering to its official community plan. It would allow parties to skip the extra step for one-off projects "that provide broader economic benefits."
Logistical Considerations and Developer Responsibilities
Sherwood's report indicates that water and waste services for the data centre will be handled privately, and any necessary upgrades to adjacent roadways for access will be at the developer's expense. Bachynski reiterated his support, saying, "I don't think there's any concerns from our end" regarding the data centre proposal.
The Regina Leader-Post reached out to the R.M. of Sherwood for comment but did not receive a response by the publication deadline. This development marks a significant step in advancing AI infrastructure in the region, with potential implications for job creation and technological innovation.
