Saskatoon studies data centres as Bell builds huge Regina site
Nov 12, 2026 · Summarized by Fundy Tech from 4 sources
Saskatoon council voted to study data centres and restrict new ones for now. The debate comes as Bell Canada builds a $1.7-billion, 300-megawatt AI data centre near Regina.
Key points
- Bell project is near Regina in the RM of Sherwood.
- Council wants a study and an interim bylaw on data centres.
- Bell says the site could employ at least 80 people full time.
The full story
Saskatoon city council voted unanimously to study data centres and restrict them until the review is complete. The motion, brought by Coun. Scott Ford, asks city administration to report back on risks and benefits and sets an interim bylaw to limit land use for data centres while the study is done.
The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce supports the study. CEO Jason Aebig said the chamber sees data centres as critical infrastructure and a sovereignty issue, arguing that too much reliance on U.S.-based cloud services carries risk. He said the city should gather facts before making decisions.
The discussion comes as Bell Canada builds a $1.7-billion, 300-megawatt AI data centre near Regina in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood. Bell says it is the country’s largest purpose-built AI data centre, with construction supporting roughly 800 trades and engineering jobs and the finished site employing at least 80 full-time workers. CBC previously reported that the rezoning council was mostly appointed by the province and that the public hearing took less than an hour. About 100 protesters gathered outside in April.
Coun. Scott Ford said the study should take about six months. He also said council is expected to vote on a moratorium next month. Elsewhere in the story, critics raised concerns about water and electricity use, while the chamber said economic opportunity should not be dismissed.
Why it matters
This matters for local power, water, taxes, and land use. Data centres can bring investment, but residents and businesses may also face concerns about utilities and public costs. For Atlantic readers watching the national rollout, this shows how communities elsewhere are balancing economic hopes against infrastructure pressure. Small businesses may see both new demand and higher public debate around resources.
Who’s affected: Saskatoon and Regina residents, utilities and local businesses
What’s next
Council expects to vote on a moratorium next month. The study is expected to take about six months.
What to do
- Follow your city’s data centre planning process.
- Ask how utilities, water and taxes may be affected.
- Watch for local hearings or zoning changes.
Original reporting
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