Bell Canada revealed its intention on Monday to expand its AI data center near Regina, aiming to increase its capacity significantly, marking a historic private investment in Saskatchewan. The CEO, Mirko Bibic, made the announcement at an investment summit in Toronto, indicating that the data center’s capacity would surge from 300 megawatts to a substantial 1.2 gigawatts, requiring a boosted investment of $52 billion in the Bell AI Fabric.
During the summit, Bibic commended the Saskatchewan Party government for fostering an investment-friendly environment in the province, emphasizing that Saskatchewan’s allure as an investment destination prompted their decision to expand in the region. Premier Scott Moe echoed the sentiment, likening the data center’s significance to the nation-building endeavors of the past, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Canadians’ data and sovereignty.
The expansion is anticipated to create around 500 permanent jobs, including management roles, and an additional 3,000 positions in security and maintenance sectors. The investment was lauded by Prime Minister Mark Carney as a prime example of the projects the government aims to support.
Former prime ministers Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper were present at the announcement, joining Bibic and Moe on stage. However, the Opposition NDP criticized the lack of public consultation on the expansion, with technology, innovation, and AI critic Brittney Senger accusing Moe of disregarding the concerns of the populace in favor of corporate interests.
As questions arise regarding the power sourcing and water requirements for the expanded facility, the provincial government directed inquiries to Bell Canada and the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, where the data center is situated. The RM’s approval of the project earlier this year sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the decision-making process and community input.
Bell Canada confirmed that discussions regarding the expansion had commenced earlier with provincial officials. The company is tasked with providing its own power supply for the expanded facility, as it did for the original project. The investment summit in Toronto seeks to attract substantial investments amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States, with a target of $1 trillion in investment opportunities.
The proposed expansion of Bell’s data center has sparked discussions and debates in Saskatchewan, inviting public engagement on the matter.
