Bell Canada is set to construct a large data centre near Regina, which is expected to boost Saskatchewan’s economy and enhance Canada’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
BCE Inc., the parent company of Bell Canada, has announced plans to build a substantial 300-megawatt data centre in the rural municipality of Sherwood, Saskatchewan. This development is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Canada's position in artificial intelligence sovereignty and bolster the local economy. Construction is slated to begin in the spring, with an expected economic impact of up to $12 billion for the province, driven by both short- and long-term job opportunities.
The facility is anticipated to create substantial employment, supporting at least 800 jobs in trades and engineering during construction with a minimum of 80 full-time positions when fully operational. The phased rollout of the data centre is expected, with the first segment projected to launch by the first half of 2027. This initiative aligns with Premier Scott Moe's goal of capitalizing on new technologies to foster economic growth and job creation in Saskatchewan.
Additionally, Bell Canada has formed a partnership with the Crown corporation SaskTel to market AI-driven products to its customers, further emphasizing the strategic importance of the data centre within the province's technological landscape. The collaboration between these two entities not only enhances the service offerings available to SaskTel's clientele but also reinforces the role of Saskatchewan as a growing hub for innovation and technology, which may attract further investments and companies in the field of artificial intelligence.
