Bell Canada taps Hipperson to lead 300 MW data centre work

Key Takeaways:

• Bell Canada has finalized the provincial project team to lead the early construction phases of its 300 megawatt data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood.
• The facility is projected to support at least 800 construction and technical jobs and generate up to $12 billion in long term economic value for the province.
• Site preparation is currently underway following municipal approval in late April and the project team expects to have the first data hall operational in the first half of 2027.

The Whole Story:

Bell Canada has finalized the project team for the initial development phases of its 300-megawatt Bell AI Fabric data centre located just outside of Regina. Early site works for the facility commenced on April 21, 2026, following the Rural Municipality of Sherwood’s approval of the project’s development agreement the previous day. The development represents a significant provincial investment projected to generate up to $12 billion in long-term economic value, with the first data hall expected to come online in the first half of 2027.

The construction and technical phases are expected to support at least 800 jobs, including specialized concrete and steel trades, heavy equipment operators, engineers, and project managers. Bell’s procurement strategy focuses on regional capacity, engaging a variety of Saskatchewan-based firms for core site preparation and structural work to keep skills and investment within the province.

Hipperson Construction of Regina has been appointed to lead early works and building construction management, while Saskatoon-based Maxie’s Excavating is managing the earthworks. Technical trades for the initial build include piling services from Soletanche Bachy Canada, rebar supply from Ardel Steel, and concrete supply from Amrize, all based in Regina. Pre-engineered building components will be manufactured off-site in Brandon, Man., by Behlen Industries and transported to the Sherwood site for assembly.

The project also involves a collaborative workforce development initiative with the George Gordon First Nation. Through George Gordon Developments Ltd., a joint steering committee has been established to manage Indigenous procurement and training opportunities. This group met in April 2026 to begin coordinating education partnerships with Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions to prepare local labour for long-term roles at the facility.

“This project is about more than just building critical digital infrastructure – it’s about creating sustained opportunities for Saskatchewan, its workers and communities,” said Dan Rink, president of Bell AI Fabric. “When we committed to making this home to Canada’s largest purpose-built AI data centre, we also committed to doing it with the people and companies who know this ground.”