Bell’s Saskatchewan data centre could quadruple in size. What does that mean for communities?

Credit: CBC News

Bell’s proposed $52-billion AI data centre expansion in Saskatchewan could draw up to 1.2 gigawatts of power and become Canada’s largest AI hub. The project's scale raises important questions: Who is accountable, and who benefits?

Our Associate Program Director, Mairin Loewen, joined CBC’s Leisha Grebinski on Blue Sky to discuss what communities should be asking about energy and water use, land, public costs and local benefits.

As Canada builds its AI infrastructure, responsible development requires more than investment. Communities need transparency, meaningful participation and enforceable protections.

Watch the full interview: Mairin Loewen on CBC Blue Sky