10 Questions about Bell’s AI Data Centre Expansion Answered

It’s a development that may constitute the largest single private-sector investment in the province’s history. And it has the potential to reshape the identity of Saskatchewan’s capital city.

Bell Canada and the provincial government announced a memorandum of understanding Monday at an investment summit hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Toronto. The agreement would expand the controversial AI data centre near Regina from the original, still unfinished, 300-megawatt facility to a data centre hub with a total capacity of 1.2 gigawatts – quadrupling in scale.

It would also see Regina become the home of Bell AI Fabric’s headquarters.

The original press releases made many bold claims, but were sparse on details.

A day later, Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader of the Official Opposition, Carla Beck, called for a moratorium on new AI data centres until the province could provide more details.

Through conversations with three experts, Bell Canada and careful inspection of press releases, Global News seeks to bring you answers to the questions you may have.

Anne Pasek is the Canada Research Chair for Media, Culture and the Environment.

Simon Enoch is a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Alternative Policies and has been studying the rise of data centre backlash across North America.

Brett Dolter is an associate professor in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Regina with a focus on energy policy.

The answers provided by Bell came from its media relations department, or are quoted directly from its press release.

Global News has also quoted the Government of Saskatchewan press release, when relevant, for added context.

Bell: It would not be possible to locate the full additional capacity within the current site footprint, given the setbacks and supporting power generation infrastructure required, so additional land will need to be purchased. Any future decision involving land acquisition, site selection or development will be made in close partnership with the local community, municipal council and provincial partners, with local input central to the process and subject to all applicable approvals. No site decisions have been made. Further details will be shared as customer commitments are secured and development plans advance.

Bell press release: The additional capacity would come from partner-developed power generation from natural gas. Bell: Consistent with Saskatchewan’s Data Centre Framework and its bring-your-own-power principle, the additional capacity will be supported by dedicated natural-gas generation located off the existing site, so it does not rely on Saskatchewan’s provincial electricity grid for load supply. Bell is working to identify an experienced third-party operating partner that will be responsible for the generation infrastructure.

Brett Dolter: It’s interesting when Bell has the choice of building their own generation, they’re looking at gas. Hopefully they’re also thinking about renewables because if you can integrate renewables with the gas, then you don’t have to run the gas plant as much and you’re not going to be polluting as much.