Bell Canada has announced that it has engaged almost entirely Saskatchewan-based companies to begin the early construction phases of its artificial intelligence data centre located south of Regina. The project, situated in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, is moving forward following the approval of Bell's development plan last month.
Local Contractors Lead Early Work
In a press release on Monday, the telecommunications giant identified five companies from Regina, two from Saskatoon, and one from Manitoba as the primary contractors for the initial stages of the facility. This Saskatchewan-heavy mix aligns with Bell's earlier commitment in March that the $1.7-billion data centre would generate approximately 800 local jobs during construction.
Dan Rink, president of Bell AI Fabric, confirmed that crews have been on site for the past two weeks conducting pre-construction drilling tests before moving on to early earthworks engineering. "We're testing the depth of pilings to ensure that we won't penetrate into the aquifer," Rink said on April 20, the day the development agreement was approved by the R.M.
Key Contractors and Their Roles
Saskatoon-based Maxie's Excavating has begun moving surface dirt to outline the building's footprint. Initial construction on berms that will serve as a sound barrier along the property's edge is also underway. Soletanche Bachy Canada has been selected to install the facility's piling, using rebar supplied by Ardel Steel and concrete supplied by Amrize. All three companies are headquartered or have operations in Regina.
Bell has also retained Regina's Hipperson Construction for building construction management during this early phase, Saskatoon's Red Pelican to oversee energy code compliance, and Regina's WaterMark Consulting to provide well-water monitoring. Pre-engineered building components will be manufactured off-site and out-of-province by Behlen Industries in Brandon, Manitoba, which has done similar fabrication for other Bell AI Fabric facilities.
Community and Indigenous Engagement
Gord Hipperson, president of Hipperson Construction, expressed pride in being trusted with the early works on a facility that will shape Canada's position in AI for decades. He noted that much of the work is going to firms that his crews have worked alongside for years. A steering committee between Bell and George Gordon Developments Ltd., the economic development arm of George Gordon First Nation, has also met to discuss Indigenous workforce procurement for the project.
Timeline and Next Steps
Bell says it will continue to share updates as more suppliers and service partners come on board throughout the construction process. The first phase of the data centre is expected to come online in the first part of 2027.
