Bell Engages Saskatchewan Contractors for Early Phases of 300MW AI Data Centre Build
Press Release
May 4, 2026
The Bell AI Fabric facility will support hundreds of local jobs and channel spend into Regina-area trades
Regina, SK, May 4, 2026 – Bell Canada today announced the project team that will deliver the early stages of its 300 MW Bell AI Fabric data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, Saskatchewan, just outside of Regina. The project will support hundreds of skilled trades and engineering jobs in the Regina region and deliver long-term economic benefits across the province.
Early site works commenced on April 21 after the development agreement for the project was approved by the Rural Municipality of Sherwood on April 20, with the first data hall expected to come online in the first half of 2027.
As Bell’s largest-ever investment in Saskatchewan, the facility is projected to generate up to $12 billion in long-term economic value and support at least 800 construction, engineering, and technical jobs over multiple phases of development, including equipment operators, concrete and steel trades, engineers, and project managers.
Supporting local trades and businesses
Today’s contractor announcement ensures that a significant portion of that construction spend and the jobs it will support flows directly to Saskatchewan businesses and workers. Many of the firms selected are Regina-based companies with long-standing ties to the area and experienced local workforces.
The engagement of local and regional contractors reflects a deliberate procurement strategy: keep capacity, skills and tax base in the province where the infrastructure sits and build sovereign AI infrastructure with a sovereign supply chain.
The early works and initial construction phases engage a broad range of local trades, including earthworks, concrete, steel, piling, and architectural and engineering services. With the dedicated work of this local team, Bell has already made strong progress on site.
Early phase construction partners include:
The following firms have been engaged for the early works and initial build phases of the data centre:
- Hipperson Construction (Regina, Saskatchewan) — Early works and building construction management
- Maxie’s Excavating (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) — Earthworks
- Behlen Industries (Brandon, Manitoba) — Pre-engineered building supply
- Soletanche Bachy Canada (Regina, Saskatchewan) — Piling
- Ardel Steel (Regina, Saskatchewan) — Piling rebar supply
- Amrize (Regina, Saskatchewan) — Piling concrete supply
- Red Pelican (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) — Energy code compliance
- WaterMark Consulting (Regina, Saskatchewan) – Well-water monitoring
Pre‑engineered building components will be manufactured off‑site in Brandon, Manitoba by an established fabrication partner that supports Bell AI Fabric projects across multiple sites, while the majority of construction labour and on‑site work remains Saskatchewan‑based.
Additional local trades, suppliers, and service partners will be announced as construction progresses through subsequent phases.
Building long-term opportunity in Saskatchewan
Beyond construction, Bell continues to work with the Government of Saskatchewan, local municipalities, and George Gordon First Nation through agreements focused on Indigenous procurement participation and workforce development, helping ensure opportunities associated with the project extend across the province.
In April, Bell and George Gordon Developments Ltd. – the economic development arm of George Gordon First Nation – convened the first meeting of their joint Workforce Steering Committee to advance workstreams focused on Indigenous procurement, workforce development, and education partnerships with Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions, in pursuit of long-term jobs and economic development for George Gordon First Nation members and the broader region.
Quotes
“This project is about more than just building critical digital infrastructure – it’s about creating sustained opportunities for Saskatchewan, its workers and communities. When we committed to making this home to Canada’s largest purpose-built AI data centre, we also committed to doing it with the people and companies who know this ground. The team we’re announcing today is that commitment in action and keeps skills, investments, and those wider economic benefits in the communities where this infrastructure is being built.”
— Dan Rink, President, Bell AI Fabric
“This project is the kind of generational build that Saskatchewan contractors have prepared a lifetime for. We’re proud to be trusted with the early works on a facility that will shape Canada’s position in AI for decades, and proud that so much of the work is going to firms our crews have worked alongside for years.”
— Gord Hipperson, President, Hipperson Construction
Further information about the Sherwood data centre development can be found at: https://businessmarkets.bell.ca/regina-info
About Bell
Bell is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.
Media inquiries:
Matt Silver
media@bell.ca
Investor inquiries:
Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca
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