A group of concerned landowners in Saskatchewan is seeking clarity regarding a proposed AI data centre by Bell, situated near their homes. Despite months of inquiries, these families have received minimal feedback from local authorities, prompting frustration and concern over the potential impact on their quality of life and property values.
Ongoing Concerns from Local Residents
Seven families living adjacent to the proposed site have expressed their worries about how the development may influence their community. In a letter addressed to the Rural Municipality (RM) of Sherwood, the residents articulated their feelings of being overlooked, stating, “At every stage of this process our concerns have been deferred, reduced, or ignored.” While they do not oppose the project outright, their apprehensions centre around issues such as noise, lighting, drainage, and overall environmental impacts.
Doug McKell, whose family has resided in the area for nearly 150 years, shared his frustration regarding the lack of communication from the RM of Sherwood. “We have the governance system in place so that these kinds of concerns should be able to be handled through their regular process,” he said. “And for them to ignore that and not deal with us in their normal fashion, everybody in the area is very frustrated with that.”
A Series of Unanswered Questions
Between January and March 2026, the group submitted four formal requests to the RM of Sherwood, seeking binding conditions to address their concerns. However, only the first submission, made on January 29, was posted publicly on the RM’s website, while the subsequent three requests remained unrecorded.
When their inquiries went unanswered, McKell and his neighbours escalated the issue by lodging a formal complaint with the Ombudsman on February 25. During a council meeting on March 16, the agenda included a discussion about the Ombudsman complaint. Just two days later, four out of seven council members, including the Reeve and Deputy-Reeve, unexpectedly resigned, leaving the community in a state of confusion.
New Leadership and Hope for Resolution
In response to the abrupt departures, the province’s Ministry of Government Relations appointed former SARM president Ray Orb as Reeve on April 10, along with three new councillors to fill the vacant positions. On March 25, the residents submitted a letter requesting a formal resolution to include specific binding conditions in the development agreement, expecting a response within a week.
On April 2, a development agreement summary was finally posted online, offering some reassurance by promising to maintain sound levels consistent with existing ambient conditions and committing to roadway upgrades at the developer’s expense. However, McKell emphasised that “promises are one thing,” advocating for enforceable commitments rather than mere good faith assurances.
A Positive Meeting, But Uncertain Future
On April 14, the group met with the newly appointed RM of Sherwood council to voice their concerns. Following the meeting, McKell expressed optimism, noting that the new councillors appeared to genuinely listen to their issues. “I think moving forward, we’ll be able to work with this… I think they heard our issues and concerns, so that was positive,” he remarked.
Despite the encouraging dialogue, no binding commitments were established during the meeting. The residents await the council’s review of the development agreement, scheduled for April 20, with hopes that their voices will be incorporated into the final decision.
Why it Matters
The struggle of these Saskatchewan landowners highlights the vital importance of transparency and communication between local authorities and residents, especially when large-scale developments are proposed. As communities grapple with the implications of technological advancements and environmental sustainability, ensuring that citizen concerns are acknowledged and addressed will be crucial for fostering trust and maintaining the quality of life in rural areas. The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how similar developments are managed in the future, making it a significant case to watch.
