Bell Canada has revealed plans to increase the size of its AI data center near Regina, making it the largest private investment in Saskatchewan’s history. The expansion, announced by CEO Mirko Bibic at an investment summit in Toronto alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, will boost the facility from 300 megawatts to 1.2 gigawatts, requiring a $52 billion investment in the Bell AI Fabric.
Bibic commended the Saskatchewan Party government for fostering an attractive investment climate in the province, emphasizing that Saskatchewan was chosen due to its favorable investment environment. Premier Scott Moe likened the data center’s significance to the construction of the Canadian railway, stressing the importance of safeguarding Canadians’ data and sovereignty.
A statement from the province suggested that the expansion could lead to the creation of 500 permanent jobs, including management roles, as well as 3,000 additional positions in security and maintenance. The investment was lauded by Carney as a prime example of the government’s efforts to support such projects.
Former prime ministers Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper were present at the announcement, joining Bibic and Moe on stage for photo opportunities. The potential need for further approval from the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, where the data center is situated, was not immediately clarified by the provincial government or Reeve Ray Orb.
Despite some previous controversy surrounding the data center’s approval by the RM, plans for expansion were discussed between Bibic, Moe, and Minister Jeremy Harrison in July. Bell Canada will be responsible for supplying its own power for the expanded project, similar to the original development.
The investment summit in Toronto aims to attract $1 trillion in investments amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
