Bell, Saskatchewan plan C$50 billion data center with 1.2 GW capacity
Bell and Saskatchewan have signed a non-binding MOU for a C$50 billion data center buildout that would add 900 MW to an existing 300 MW facility, reaching 1.2 GW and becoming Canada's largest.
The main obstacle is power. The existing 300 MW development draws electricity from the grid, but the additional 900 MW will need to be self-sourced. Saskatchewan recently introduced new rules for large data center developments requiring them to bring their own power instead of putting more pressure on local infrastructure. As a result, power generation is likely to account for a large share of the C$50 billion investment. Bell is exploring natural gas facilities with a third-party partner, TechRadar reported.
The campus is also set to use closed-loop cooling to reduce resource consumption, which could ease local pressure and potential opposition. TechRadar reported that the project is expected to generate around 500 to 600 data center jobs, according to figures from Bell and Saskatchewan, with additional construction, logistics and security roles supported across various stages.
The initial 300 MW buildout began construction in April 2026. Bell anticipates it will start opening throughout 2027. Saskatchewan is emerging as a hub for data center projects, with the province evaluating more than 30 development applications as of August 2026, according to TechRadar.
"By creating a path to 1.2 GW of AI capacity in Saskatchewan, Bell AI Fabric will give governments, businesses, researchers and innovators the secure, sovereign foundation they need to deploy AI at scale and compete globally," Bell CEO Mirko Bibic said, according to TechRadar.