Bell AI Fabric: Responsible Data Centre Development
September 8, 2026
Canada’s ability to compete and lead in the AI economy depends on access to large-scale, high-performance digital infrastructure. Through Bell AI Fabric, Bell is investing in sovereign Canadian AI infrastructure that strengthens Canada’s digital resilience, expands domestic AI capacity, creates long-term economic value and helps ensure the benefits of AI innovation remain in Canada.
As Canada’s largest communications company, Bell has a long history of building and operating critical national infrastructure. Bell AI Fabric builds on that foundation, combining Bell’s infrastructure expertise with leading technology, cloud and AI partners to deliver large-scale AI infrastructure tailored to the needs of governments, researchers and businesses
The following examples illustrate how Bell AI Fabric aligns with the federal government’s principles for responsible data centre development.
Create lasting local benefits
Bell AI Fabric is designed to create long-term economic, workforce and infrastructure benefits for Canadians and the communities where projects are located.
How Bell AI Fabric delivers:
- At full 800 MW buildout, Bell AI Fabric is projected to support more than 5,000 jobs in construction, operations, and in the community and generate more than $108.6 billion in economic value across Canada.
- Bell AI Fabric projects create construction, engineering, operations and skilled trades opportunities, while helping develop Canadian expertise in advanced AI infrastructure, networking, cooling systems and critical infrastructure operations.
- Bell works with Canadian suppliers, contractors and manufacturers wherever possible, helping keep investment, expertise and economic activity in Canada. In Saskatchewan, approximately 80% of building labour is expected to come from within the province.
- Bell AI Fabric facilities generate long-term municipal and provincial tax revenues and support local supplier development.
- Bell engages with Indigenous communities including George Gordon First Nation, educational institutions like Thompson Rivers University and the University of Regina, economic development organizations and local stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, workforce development and long-term community benefit.
No shift in electricity costs to Canadians
Bell supports responsible infrastructure growth that maintains grid reliability and ensures project costs are borne by project developers.
How Bell AI Fabric delivers:
- Bell AI Fabric facilities connect to provincial electricity systems through commercial arrangements and pay the costs associated with connecting and serving those facilities.
- Bell supports investments in new electricity generation, transmission and energy infrastructure needed to support Canada’s growing AI economy.
- Bell works collaboratively with utilities, regulators and governments to support long-term grid planning and reliability.
- Facilities are designed with backup generation capabilities to support operational resilience during disruptions.
Minimize water use and environmental impacts
Bell AI Fabric facilities are designed to reduce environmental impacts while supporting large-scale AI computing workloads.
How Bell AI Fabric delivers:
- Bell AI Fabric facilities use advanced closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water for cooling operations. Water use is limited to normal building functions such as employee facilities and code-required fire suppression systems.
- Facilities are designed to minimize local impacts through thoughtful site planning, low-noise equipment and ongoing environmental management practices.
- Bell is actively exploring opportunities to recover excess heat and make it available for district energy and other beneficial community uses where feasible.
- Bell continually evaluates technologies and operating practices that can improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts over the life of its facilities.
Transparency about local impacts
Bell believes communities should have access to clear information about major infrastructure projects and their impacts.
How Bell AI Fabric delivers:
- Bell works with municipal governments, Indigenous communities, utilities, regulators and other stakeholders throughout project development and construction.
- Bell provides information about project benefits, construction activity, environmental considerations and infrastructure requirements through ongoing stakeholder engagement.
- Bell funds road, access and service upgrades associated with its facilities and works with municipalities to coordinate traffic management plans and minimize disruption during construction activities.
- Bell supports transparent, fact-based discussions about AI infrastructure development and its role in Canada’s economy and is committed to ongoing dialogue with communities as projects move through development, construction and operation.
Data centres must bring strategic value to Canada
Bell AI Fabric is helping build the infrastructure foundation for Canada’s AI economy while ensuring critical infrastructure remains under Canadian ownership, control and operation.
How Bell AI Fabric delivers:
- Bell AI Fabric facilities are located in Canada, controlled and operated by Bell in Canada, connected to Bell’s national fibre network and governed by Canadian laws and regulatory requirements.
- Bell retains operational control over key infrastructure layers, including network connectivity, data centre infrastructure, cooling systems, physical security and facility operations
- Strategic infrastructure assets, including land, buildings, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, fibre connectivity and operating capability, remain in Canada for the long term.
- These investments help build Canadian skills, supplier ecosystems and infrastructure that can support future government, research, business and innovation needs.
- By combining Canadian ownership and operational control with leading technology and AI partners, Bell AI Fabric is helping expand Canada’s sovereign AI infrastructure and long-term digital resilience.
