Saskatchewan Gets $12B Data Centre, 1,600 New Jobs

A small Canadian province is about to become a major player in the global tech revolution, and it's bringing thousands of jobs with it.

Bell Canada announced plans to build a cutting-edge data centre in Saskatchewan that will generate $12 billion in economic value and create more than 1,600 jobs. Construction on the 90,000-square-foot facility near Regina starts this spring, marking one of the largest private investments the province has ever seen.

The project will employ more than 800 workers during construction and create at least 80 permanent positions once operational. Another 750 spinoff jobs are expected as new businesses grow around the facility, from tech startups to service providers.

This isn't just about storing data. The centre will power artificial intelligence computing through Bell's AI Fabric platform, helping Canadian researchers and businesses develop cutting-edge AI technology. A portion of the facility's capacity is reserved specifically to keep Canadian data stored on Canadian soil, addressing growing concerns about digital sovereignty.

Saskatchewan's Crown corporations are stepping up to make it happen. SaskPower is building new transmission connections by late 2026, while SaskTel will provide the fibre optic networks connecting the facility to the rest of Canada. SaskEnergy is developing natural gas infrastructure to keep the servers running smoothly.

The project includes thoughtful environmental design too. The facility uses a closed-loop cooling system that won't drain municipal water supplies, and Bell is exploring ways to capture and reuse the heat generated by thousands of computers working around the clock.

The Ripple Effect

Bell is partnering with local colleges and universities to train the next generation of tech workers, ensuring Saskatchewan residents have the skills to fill these new careers. The company is also working with George Gordon First Nation on workforce development and procurement opportunities, creating pathways for Indigenous communities to participate in the digital economy.

The timing couldn't be better. As AI transforms everything from healthcare to agriculture, having Canadian-controlled infrastructure means researchers and businesses can innovate without sending sensitive data across borders. Saskatchewan went from grain fields to tech fields, proving opportunity can bloom anywhere with the right investment.