Computers that run AI are housed in data warehouses like this one and require a lot of electricity.
Bell Canada is planning a major expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure near Regina, according to newly filed municipal documents.
The project points to growing interest in Saskatchewan as a destination for large-scale digital and research investments.
Records submitted to the Rural Municipality of Sherwood outline plans for an artificial intelligence data centre campus south of the city.
The proposal involves rezoning about 160 acres of land currently designated for agricultural use.
Rezoning Request Sets the Process in Motion
The rezoning application would allow Bell to develop a dedicated AI data centre campus on the site.
While detailed architectural plans were not included, the municipality requires a fully approved design before construction begins.
The application was submitted by a numbered company.
However, supporting letters clearly link the project to Bell’s national AI Fabric initiative announced in 2025.
That initiative includes six AI data centres planned for British Columbia, along with additional facilities across Canada.
The Regina-area campus would become part of this broader national network.
Strategic Role of the AI Data Centre
According to the application, the Bell AI data centre near Regina would serve as critical digital infrastructure.
It is intended to support research, provincial AI development, and federally protected industries.
The campus is expected to generate a sizable number of high-skilled construction jobs.
Once operational, it would also create permanent roles in technical, operational, and support functions.
While employment figures were not specified, the plan includes more than 300 parking stalls.
This detail suggests a substantial on-site workforce once the campus is fully developed.
Infrastructure and Campus Design
The proposed Bell AI data centre campus would include several interconnected low-rise buildings.
These structures would be supported by a dedicated SaskPower substation built on-site.
The data centre would be developed in multiple phases rather than as a single project.
This phased approach allows for future expansion as demand for AI computing capacity increases.
Phase one includes construction of an 8,500-square-metre facility.
Documents indicate Bell expects to fast-track this initial phase in 2026.
Focus on Sustainability and Research
The application highlights a potential research partnership with the University of Regina.
One proposed collaboration involves sustainable greenhouse development using reclaimed heat from the data centre.
This approach reflects growing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of energy-intensive AI infrastructure.
The campus is also designed to meet or exceed all environmental and regulatory standards.
Broad Institutional Support Emerges
Several government agencies reviewed the rezoning request and raised no objections.
These include the Water Security Agency, SaskTel, and the Ministry of Highways.
The City of Regina was notified of the proposal and waived certain planning requirements.
This decision helped streamline the rezoning process at the municipal level.
Post-secondary institutions have also voiced strong support for the project.
Universities See Long-Term Value
Saskatchewan Polytechnic provost Dan MacKay endorsed the rezoning in a formal letter.
He noted that the institution is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Bell.
MacKay said the scale of the Bell AI data centre near Regina should not be underestimated.
He described it as a significant opportunity for skills development and applied research.
The University of Regina, located adjacent to the proposed site, also supported the zoning change.
Vice-president of research Chris Yost called the centre an opportunity to advance research, education, and commercialization.
A Growing AI Footprint in the Prairies
Bell has not yet commented publicly on the proposal.
However, the documents suggest a long-term commitment to expanding AI infrastructure in Saskatchewan.
If approved, the project could position Regina as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence development.
The Bell AI data centre near Regina may also strengthen ties between industry, government, and academia.
