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Bell to Quadruple Saskatchewan AI Campus to 1.2 GW

The non-binding memorandum could expand Canada’s sovereign AI compute capacity if Bell secures customers, permits, and suppliers of self-generated power.

Overview

  • Bell and the Government of Saskatchewan signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding on Sept. 14 that sets a path to expand the Sherwood AI campus from 300 megawatts to as much as 1.2 gigawatts.
  • Officials and Bell say the full buildout could drive about $50–52.5 billion of capital investment and create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
  • The expansion will be phased and conditional on commercial tenant contracts, local permits and environmental approvals, with some initial capacity already pre-sold to CoreWeave and Cerebras.
  • Saskatchewan’s policy requires large data centres to bring their own power, so Bell plans to use behind-the-meter natural gas generation for additional phases while the initial 300 MW draws from the provincial grid.
  • The project promises closed-loop cooling and provincial engagement but faces local protests and Indigenous and municipal approvals that Bell must resolve before further construction proceeds.