R.M. of Sherwood to Decide on Bell Canada's AI Data Centre Servicing Plan
The Rural Municipality of Sherwood is poised to review a final development agreement that will determine whether Bell Canada can advance its proposed artificial intelligence data centre on the outskirts of Regina. Councillors are scheduled to address Bell's servicing plan at a meeting on April 20, with approval necessary for the $1.7-billion project to move forward.
Private Infrastructure Strategy Awaits Municipal Approval
In a report submitted by Sherwood's administration, Bell Canada has detailed its intention to privately supply the data centre with on-site water, wastewater, and power services. This independent strategy aims to ensure the facility remains self-sufficient and imposes no risk or cost on municipal infrastructure or adjacent landowners. However, the plan requires formal endorsement from the R.M. before construction can commence as planned.
Key components of Bell's proposal include:
- A private wastewater management system
- An on-site power substation and natural gas plant
- A renewable energy system, though specifics remain undisclosed
- Connection to Regina's water main for essential potable water to meet fire safety regulations
- A closed-loop cooling system for the data centre's servers
Council Composition and Public Input Considerations
Before the April 20 meeting can occur, the R.M. must appoint interim councillors to establish quorum, following the abrupt resignation of Sherwood's reeve and three other council members last month. This administrative step is crucial for the vote to proceed.
Early details of the project were shared at the request of former councillor John Wilke, who advocated in February for extended public review time after Bell initially filed development documents. The council had already rezoned a 160-hectare parcel south of Regina for the data centre in February, setting the stage for this next phase.
Environmental and Community Mitigation Measures
Bell has committed to addressing potential environmental and community impacts through several measures:
- Utilizing low-noise cooling equipment to minimize sound pollution
- Installing dark-sky-compliant lighting to reduce light interference
- Implementing a zero-impact plan to prevent stormwater from flowing into nearby Wascana Creek
These efforts are designed to alleviate concerns about noise, light, and drainage in the surrounding area.
Project Timeline and Significance
Bell Canada president and CEO Mirko Bibic, alongside Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, announced at a Regina news conference that construction could begin this spring, with the facility targeted to open by mid-2027. Once operational, the data centre is projected to be the largest in Canada, housing AI computing and storage infrastructure managed by U.S. technology firms CoreWeave and Cerebras.
The April 20 council decision represents a critical milestone for Bell's ambitious venture, which promises to bolster technological infrastructure in the region while adhering to stringent self-sufficiency and environmental standards. Stakeholders will be watching closely as Sherwood's councillors weigh the servicing plan against community interests and regulatory requirements.
