A group of seven families in Saskatchewan is voicing their concerns regarding Bell’s planned AI data centre, situated close to their homes. Despite months of inquiries, these landowners have struggled to obtain clear answers from the local council, leading to frustration and a sense of neglect regarding their quality of life and property values.
Ongoing Concerns from Residents
The families residing near the proposed site in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Sherwood have expressed their worries through formal letters to the council, stating, “At every stage of this process our concerns have been deferred, reduced, or ignored.” Although they do not oppose the project outright, their apprehensions about potential impacts on their living environment and property investments are significant.
Doug McKell, whose family has deep roots in the area, emphasised the difficulty in communicating with 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 noted, adding that the lack of engagement from the council has left residents frustrated.
Formal Requests and Lack of Response
Between January and March 2026, the concerned families submitted four formal requests to the RM of Sherwood, seeking binding conditions on critical issues such as noise, lighting, drainage, groundwater protection, and road management. While their first submission on January 29 was acknowledged and posted publicly on the RM’s website, the subsequent requests—made on February 8, February 17, and March 4—were not recorded, leaving the residents feeling overlooked.
In response to the lack of communication, McKell and his neighbours lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman on February 25. This led to a discussion at the RM council meeting on March 16, during which the council addressed both the ethics code and the Ombudsman complaint. Two days later, in a surprising turn of events, four council members, including the Reeve and Deputy-Reeve, resigned without explanation.
Changes in Local Governance
Following the resignations, the provincial Ministry of Government Relations appointed Ray Orb, a former president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), as the new Reeve. Additionally, three other individuals were appointed to fill the vacant council positions. This shake-up in leadership has left many residents hopeful for a fresh start in their communication with the council.
On March 25, the concerned families submitted yet another letter, urging the RM to formalise binding conditions and requesting a response within a week. A week later, the RM posted an executive summary for a development agreement on its website, which appeared to address some of the landowners’ concerns. The document promised to maintain sound levels at the property boundary consistent with existing conditions and outlined plans for roadway upgrades at the developer’s expense. However, the residents remain cautious, as they seek enforceable commitments rather than mere assurances.
A Step Towards Resolution
On April 14, the families met with the newly appointed council members to present their concerns and advocate for binding conditions. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing optimism about the council’s willingness to listen. McKell remarked, “I think moving forward, we’ll be able to work with this… I think they heard our issues and concerns, so that was positive.”
Despite the encouraging dialogue, no formal commitments were made during the meeting, and the residents await further developments regarding the incorporation of binding conditions into the final development agreement, which is scheduled for review on April 20.
Why it Matters
The ongoing situation in Sherwood underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and community well-being. As municipalities navigate the complexities of new developments, the voices of local residents must not only be heard but also respected. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future projects are managed, particularly in regions where the impacts of industrial development intersect with residential life. Ultimately, the ability of local councils to address community concerns effectively will be crucial in fostering trust and collaboration in the face of rapid change.
