Sask. First Nation says Bell AI data centre answers fall short

A massive AI data centre near Regina is still a source of concern for the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation, even after Bell responded to questions about the project.

Standing Buffalo says Bell AI Fabric hasn’t provided all the technical information it needs to assess the Sherwood AI Campus and its potential impact on the First Nation’s rights and territory.

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Standing Buffalo said it has received a response from Bell to a letter from Chief Rodger Redman.

“Bell has responded, and we are reviewing what the company has provided,” Redman said.

“Standing Buffalo has its own published process for reviewing development that may affect our rights and territory.”

Redman said the First Nation is preparing to examine the project more closely.

“Our Elders and technical experts are preparing to assess this project,” he said. “That work requires the relevant information, and we are asking Bell to engage directly with our process.”

Standing Buffalo has raised concerns about the project’s water use, cooling systems, power supply and environmental impact.

Bell addressed those questions in its response, saying the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system and doesn’t draw water from or discharge water into the aquifer.

The company also says it is monitoring groundwater at neighbouring wells.
But Standing Buffalo says it still needs to see the underlying technical reports to conduct its own assessment.

Dan Rink, Bell AI Fabric’s president of AI infrastructure, said the company wants the First Nation to have accurate information.

“We are sharing this information because we believe being a good neighbour and corporate citizen in Saskatchewan means answering questions openly,” Rink wrote.

Bell maintains it followed Saskatchewan’s direction on consultation, saying the province determines whether Crown consultation is required and which First Nations must be consulted.

The company has offered to meet with Standing Buffalo’s chief and council, but said that meeting would be for information sharing rather than formal Crown consultation.

Standing Buffalo says a meeting alone wouldn’t replace its review process, or be enough to guarantee its approval for the project. It has asked Bell to confirm by Nov. 16 whether it will provide the requested information and participate in Standing Buffalo’s review process.

Bell said the proposed expansion of the data centre project still requires rezoning and a provincial environmental impact assessment, which would include an opportunity for public comment.

“We respect the Nation’s right to reach its own view of the project, and we want that view to rest on accurate information,” Rink wrote.

Standing Buffalo says it will continue reviewing Bell’s response before deciding its next steps with the company, the province and the project’s approval process.