Nearly 200 people gathered at the provincial legislature in Regina on Saturday to protest Bell Canada’s planned AI data centre, citing a lack of community consultation and concern over the speed of approval.
Regina Ward 8 Councillor Shanon Zachidniak attended the rally, saying she wanted to voice her worries about the proposed 300MW facility on the outskirts of the city, located in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood. She noted that if the project were truly beneficial, there would be no harm in slowing the process to allow for public input.
The development agreement for what Bell Canada claims would be Canada’s largest AI data centre — promising up to $12 billion in economic benefits to Saskatchewan — is set to be reviewed by the RM of Sherwood’s seven-member council on Monday, April 20, 2026.
However, Zachidniak said she was unable to register to speak at the meeting, as were other concerned residents. She argued that no public consultation has taken place so far, which she believes explains the strong turnout at the rally.
“This is their opportunity to provide their feedback,” Zachidniak said, urging the council to table the application and allow time for community input before proceeding.
She added that the pace of approval feels rushed, especially given that the majority of the RM of Sherwood council was appointed by the province on April 10, following the abrupt resignation of the reeve and three councillors in March, which left the municipality without a quorum and halted regular proceedings.
Zachidniak said it would be more appropriate for a democratically elected council to decide the fate of the data centre, suggesting the decision should wait until after the RM of Sherwood holds its elections in November.
Rally organizer Jay-Jay Bigsky echoed these concerns, stating that the public is being excluded from decisions that could significantly affect the region. He said there is critical information not being shared and expressed hope that the council would ultimately reject the project.
Bigsky, who has also led letter-writing campaigns against the data centre, reiterated his desire to see the project shut down entirely, arguing that residents deserve a say in developments of this scale.
Bell Canada has maintained that the data centre would bring substantial investment and technological advancement to the province, though critics argue those promises must be weighed against environmental, infrastructural, and democratic concerns.
The protest at the legislature highlights a growing tension between rapid technological development and the need for inclusive, transparent local governance — especially when unelected officials are making decisions on major projects.
Why are residents concerned about the AI data centre proposal?
Residents are concerned because they say there has been no public consultation about the project, despite its potential size and impact, and they feel excluded from decisions being made by a largely appointed council.
What gives Regina city councillor Shanon Zachidniak standing to comment on the RM of Sherwood’s decision?
Although she is a Regina city councillor, Zachidniak attended the rally as a concerned resident and official who represents Ward 8, which borders the RM of Sherwood, and she argues the project’s implications cross municipal boundaries.
