Bell Canada Builds $1.7-Billion AI Data Centre in Saskatchewan

Bell Canada is constructing a $1.7-billion, 300-megawatt artificial intelligence data centre southeast of Regina in the municipality of Sherwood. The facility, which features anchor tenants CoreWeave and Cerebras, is expected to have its first two buildings operational in the first half of 2027. The company plans a massive phased expansion to 1.2 gigawatts costing $50 billion, a move that would require the construction of a 900MW natural gas power plant, the largest in the province.

Crown Investments Minister Jeremy Harrison and Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski have promoted the project's potential to create 500 permanent on-site jobs and 3,000 community jobs. However, the New Democratic Party has called for a moratorium on large-scale centres. Energy critic Sally Housser condemned the government's initial refusal to hold public town hall meetings, citing concerns over electricity grid impacts, power bills, and a lack of transparency regarding long-term economic benefits.

In response to these concerns regarding water resources, roads, and farmland, Bell has begun conducting meetings with municipal leaders and local stakeholders to build trust. The project is positioned as a critical step for Canada's digital economy and national sovereignty, with the company claiming the rollout has been among the fastest in the world.