Bell Canada has unveiled plans to expand its AI data center near Regina, marking the largest private investment in Saskatchewan to date. The initial 300-megawatt facility will now be upgraded to a 1.2-gigawatt capacity, with an increased investment of $52 billion in the Bell AI Fabric.
During an investment summit in Toronto, CEO Mirko Bibic praised Saskatchewan for its favorable investment climate. Premier Scott Moe lauded the data center’s significance, likening it to the historical railway construction that protected national sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Canadians’ data.
The expansion is expected to generate 500 permanent jobs, including 100 management roles, along with 3,000 positions in security and maintenance. Former Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper were present at the announcement, alongside Bibic and Moe.
However, the opposition NDP criticized the lack of public consultation regarding the expansion. NDP technology critic Brittney Senger raised concerns about power sourcing and water usage for the project, prompting the government to refer inquiries to Bell Canada and the Rural Municipality of Sherwood.
Despite the controversy, Bibic affirmed discussions with Moe and Minister Jeremy Harrison about the expansion. The investment summit aims to attract $1 trillion in investments amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.