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Bell Canada marks construction milestone of Sask. AI Data Centre and $1M mental health commitment

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Group president for Bell AI Fabric John Watson speaks during a media event on Oct. 1, 2026 at the company's data centre near Regina

Bell and government officials marked construction progress on the Bell AI Data Centre in the RM of Sherwood, Sask. on Thursday, while also announcing a $1 million investment to support mental health in the province.

Preparations are currently underway for the first building’s interior fit out. According to the province, structural steel is rising and all four buildings in the first phase are taking shape.

There are more than 500 people working on the site, with the majority of the project’s workforce from Saskatchewan. The province says more than 30 contractors, consultants, suppliers and Indigenous partners are contributing to the 300-megawatt Bell AI Fabric Data Centre.

Bell AI Data Centre Bell and government officials announced construction progress on the AI Data Centre in Sherwood, Sask., on Thursday. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)

John Watson, the group president of the Bell Cyber and AI Fabric joined Crown Investments Minister Jeremy Harrison and others at the announcement on Thursday, which was held at the site.

The first portion of the centre, dubbed a “data hall,” is expected to become operational in the first half of 2027.

The project is expected to bring a total estimated capital investment of more than $50 billion.

Bell AI announcement John Watson, Group President of Business Markets for Bell Cyber AI Fabric, Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison, and Reeve for the RM of Sherwood Ray Orb took part in the announcement on Thursday. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)

Mental health investment

Since Bell’s presence in the province continues to grow, they also announced the investment of $1 million to support mental health in Saskatchewan, with more information to come at a later time.

More details to come…

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