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Major data centre proposal leaves council 'in the dark'
The rezoning would let Bell add up to nine buildings and expand the campus to 1.2 gigawatts, despite concerns over water, power and consultation.
- On Thursday, the Rural Municipality of Sherwood council approved zoning changes allowing Bell Canada to expand its 1.2-gigawatt AI data centre near Regina, clearing a final regulatory hurdle for the $50 billion project.
- The provincial government appointed four council members 10 days before the vote, prompting NDP Government Relations critic Erika Ritchie to question the accountability and transparency of the decision-making process.
- George Gordon First Nation member Jade Adrian questioned the lack of consultation, while Ochapowace Nation representative Headman Bear said "the duty to consult has not been properly carried out by all parties, including the provincial government."
- Bell president Dan Rink defended the expansion, projecting more than 1,200 construction jobs and between 280 and 500 permanent positions, while Ritchie called the process "frustrating" for ratepayers whose concerns went unheard.
- Experts warn Canada lacks binding regulations for data centre development, risking a repeat of U.S. mistakes where tax giveaways and minimal oversight led to soaring electricity rates and community backlash.
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Sask TodayReposted by 
620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…
620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…Bell AI data centre expansion faces opposition at Sherwood hearing
Bell projected hundreds of jobs and millions in tax revenue, but residents questioned whether the project's risks and benefits have been properly considered.
Rocky Mountain Outlook+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Bell's data centre in Saskatchewan faces opposition
Bell Canada's parent company is working to smooth over tensions related to the expanded buildout of its planned data centre in Saskatchewan, its chief executive said Thursday while touting the economic benefits of the project for the surrounding comm
·Canmore, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 30%
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