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Residents in Saskatchewan’s RM of Sherwood are voicing their concerns over a proposed AI data centre by Bell, with local landowners feeling left in the dark as they seek answers about the potential impacts on their quality of life and property values. The seven affected families have repeatedly raised questions over the past few months but claim their concerns have largely been overlooked by local authorities.
Frustration Mounts Over Lack of Communication
Doug McKell, a long-time resident whose family has lived in the region for nearly 150 years, articulates the growing frustration within the community. He states that attempts to engage with the RM of Sherwood regarding the development have been met with resistance, describing the process as akin to “pulling teeth.”
In a letter submitted to the council, the landowners express that their inquiries have been “deferred, reduced, or ignored” at every turn. While they are not outright opposed to the project, their worries centre on issues such as noise, lighting, drainage, and the overall impact on the local environment.
Formal Requests for Clarity
From January to March 2026, the landowners submitted four formal requests to the RM’s Administration and Council, asking for specific conditions to be put in place regarding the development. However, only the first submission, dated January 29, was recorded publicly on the RM’s website. The subsequent three submissions, made on February 8, February 17, and March 4, went unanswered and unacknowledged.
In light of this silence, a formal complaint was lodged with the Ombudsman on February 25. The situation escalated dramatically when, just two days after a council meeting that included discussions about the Ombudsman complaint, four council members—including the Reeve and Deputy-Reeve—unexpectedly resigned without explanation.
New Leadership and a Glimmer of Hope
Following the abrupt resignations, the province’s Ministry of Government Relations appointed Ray Orb, a former president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), as the new Reeve. Alongside Orb, Mitch Huber, Donna Strudwick, and Judy Harwood filled the other vacant positions on the council.
On March 25, the residents submitted yet another letter to the RM, urging the council to formalise binding conditions that would address their concerns. A week later, an executive summary of a development agreement was posted online, seemingly addressing several issues raised by the residents. It promised to ensure sound levels would align with existing ambient conditions, upgrade roadways at the developer’s expense, and implement lighting solutions that comply with dark-sky initiatives.
Despite these assurances, McKell and his neighbours remain cautious. They stress that while good faith efforts are appreciated, they require enforceable commitments rather than vague promises. Their letter to the RM emphasised the need for measurable obligations with penalties for non-compliance to be included in the final development agreement.
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
On April 14, the group met with the newly appointed council to discuss their ongoing concerns. Many residents left the meeting feeling optimistic, noting that the council members appeared to be genuinely attentive to their issues. The presentation by Dan Rink, President of Bell AI Fabric, was received positively, further encouraging the residents that their voices were being heard.
Yet, it is essential to note that no binding commitments were made during the meeting. The future of the development agreement, which is slated for review on April 20, remains uncertain.
Why it Matters
This situation underscores the vital importance of transparent communication between local governments and residents, especially when it comes to projects that could significantly alter community dynamics. As the push for technological advancements continues, it is crucial to ensure that the voices of those most affected are not only heard but also respected in the decision-making process. The ongoing dialogue in Sherwood could serve as a model for how communities can advocate for their rights while balancing development and environmental considerations in the face of rapid change.
