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Regina Data Centre: Residents Demand Binding Agreements
8 Apr
Summary
- Residents seek enforceable clauses for data centre promises.
- Concerns arise over water usage and energy for air-cooled systems.
- RM council quorum issues delay review of the $1.7 billion project.
A new report detailing Bell Canada's proposed $1.7 billion artificial intelligence data centre campus near Regina has surfaced. Residents living close to the site are calling for all stated intentions regarding noise mitigation, water usage, and road upgrades to be included as binding clauses in the development agreement. Concerns persist about the significant water requirements of data centres, though the proposed facility plans to use an air-cooled, closed-loop system. This system requires an initial water fill and is intended to connect to Regina's municipal grid.
Experts question the energy demands of this closed-loop cooling technology, noting a common trade-off between water and energy usage. The project site is slated to include a renewable energy system and a private electrical substation. While proponents highlight data sovereignty benefits, questions remain about the vulnerability of data held by contracted American AI companies. The project's review is further complicated by the Rural Municipality of Sherwood's council lacking a quorum after several resignations, with interim appointments being processed before an upcoming meeting.
