Bell Canada is expanding its AI data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, with plans to add two new data halls by the first half of 2027. The company has entered conditional agreements to purchase additional land around the existing 160-acre site, bringing the total footprint of the AI Fabric Data Centre to approximately 1,055 acres.
The expansion, estimated at $52 billion, marks the largest private capital investment in Saskatchewan’s history. The Rural Municipality approved the rezoning application in a special online meeting, prompted by previous disruptions from protesters seeking more consultation.
Sherwood Reeve Ray Orb confirmed that further public consultation, including with First Nations and existing landowners, will occur as part of the expansion process. Despite concerns raised by protesters like Taran Ulrich, who highlighted property ownership records, Bell Canada is moving forward with plans for up to nine additional data centre buildings and supporting infrastructure.
The new buildings, to be constructed in phases starting in 2027, will add 730 megawatts of capacity to the existing six data halls. Bell Canada will provide 900 megawatts of power through its own gas-powered generation system, in addition to the initial 300 megawatts supplied by SaskPower. The generators will be located at a separate site in Saskatchewan with natural gas pipelines.
An internal access road will connect the existing campus with new construction, while any unused land will remain available for farming by current landowners under a leaseback agreement. Bell Canada’s expansion plans aim to solidify its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI technology infrastructure.
