Protests Erupt Over Proposed AI Data Centre Near Regina

Residents of Regina, Saskatchewan, are mobilizing in opposition to a proposed artificial intelligence data centre project by Bell Canada in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, citing concerns over environmental impact, water usage, and lack of public consultation ahead of a scheduled council vote.

The proposed facility, which would be located on agricultural land near Regina’s eastern boundary, has drawn criticism from local residents, environmental groups, and municipal officials who argue that the project proceeds without sufficient transparency or assessment of its long-term effects on the region’s resources.

Public Opposition Grows Ahead of Council Vote

On April 16, 2026, dozens of residents gathered outside the Sherwood municipal office to voice their opposition during a public hearing period preceding a council vote on the project’s zoning application. Organizers said the rally aimed to pressure councillors to delay approval until independent environmental and hydrological studies are completed.

Concerns Over Water Use and Environmental Impact

Critics have highlighted the project’s potential demand for water, noting that AI data centres require significant volumes for cooling systems. In a region already experiencing periodic drought conditions and pressure on groundwater aquifers, residents fear the facility could strain local supplies.

Calls for Greater Transparency and Public Input

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck has urged the government to require Bell Canada to release detailed project plans, including energy sourcing, water consumption estimates, and waste heat management strategies. “The public has a right to know what is being proposed in their backyard,” Beck said in a statement released April 17, 2026. “We’re asking for a full public review process, not a rushed approval.”

Municipal Officials Question Process Speed

Regina city councillor John Findura, whose ward borders the Sherwood municipality, has publicly stated that the RM of Sherwood is moving too quickly to approve the project without adequate scrutiny. Findura said he has received numerous constituent concerns and believes the council should mandate a third-party impact assessment before proceeding.

Bell Canada’s Position and Project Scope

Bell Canada has not released a detailed public proposal for the Sherwood site, but filings with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada indicate the company is pursuing federal funding under the AI Compute Access Fund to support domestic AI infrastructure. The proposed Regina facility would be part of a broader network intended to support AI research, cloud computing, and enterprise services across Western Canada.

In a brief statement to local media on April 15, 2026, a Bell Canada spokesperson said the company is committed to “responsible development” and is “engaging with local stakeholders” to address concerns. The spokesperson did not confirm whether an environmental impact assessment has been commissioned or when one might be made public.

As of April 19, 2026, the RM of Sherwood council has not yet voted on the zoning amendment required for the project to proceed. Council meetings are scheduled for the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with the next opportunity for a vote set for May 6, 2026.