Nearly 200 individuals congregated at the provincial legislature in Regina over the weekend to express opposition towards Bell Canada’s forthcoming AI data center and the absence of community engagement concerning the development. Regina Ward 8 Councilor Shanon Zachidniak emphasized the importance of pausing the project for further evaluation if it truly presents a beneficial opportunity for the region. The proposed 300MW facility, situated on the outskirts of Regina within the rural municipality of Sherwood, has sparked concerns among residents and officials.
The agreement for the development, slated to become Canada’s largest AI data center, is up for consideration by the RM of Sherwood’s seven-member council on Monday. Following the sudden resignations of the previous reeve and three councillors in March, new council members were appointed by the province on April 10, disrupting the regular proceedings due to a loss of quorum.
Zachidniak, alongside other participants, voiced frustration over the inability to register to speak at the upcoming council meeting. She stressed the necessity for public feedback and consultation before advancing with the AI data center. The absence of apparent public consultation has fueled the substantial turnout at the rally, with attendees seeking to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the project.
Organizer Jay-Jay Bigsky, who has led letter-writing campaigns opposing the data center, highlighted the public’s exclusion from decision-making processes. Expressing skepticism about the project’s benefits, Bigsky advocated for halting the development and urged the RM of Sherwood council to reconsider the data center’s construction.
Bell Canada’s projections of significant economic contributions, including up to $12 billion to Saskatchewan and the creation of jobs, have been met with skepticism regarding local hiring practices and partnerships with American companies for specialized equipment. The concerns raised by protestors underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed AI data center and its potential impact on the community.
Premier Scott Moe addressed resident concerns by emphasizing the job opportunities and data sovereignty associated with the data center. While acknowledging the need for transparency and dialogue, Moe encouraged constructive engagement to address queries and considerations surrounding the project.
Members of the George Gordon First Nation expressed discontent over the lack of consultations regarding the data center, despite an official partnership with Bell Canada. Elder Brenda Joyce and Regina resident Janna Pratt highlighted the insufficient community involvement in decision-making processes and the project’s implications on Treaty agreements.
The ongoing discussions and protests reflect the complex dynamics surrounding the proposed AI data center in Sherwood, prompting calls for increased transparency, community engagement, and a thorough evaluation of the project’s impacts before proceeding further.