RM of Edenwold to consider zoning changes to allow data centres

The RM of Edenwold is considering allowing AI data centres after a new facility was proposed for southeast Regina. Donovan Maess reports.

Another Sask. rural municipality may be opening the door to allow A.I. data centres within its boundaries.

According to an agenda posted to its website, the RM of Edenwold is proposing zoning bylaw amendments to allow data centres.

Chief administrative officer Shauna Bzdel says the RM received an application to amend the bylaw.

“We do not have an application for an actual data centre right now,” she told CTV News Monday. “In order for us to consider or process an application, our zoning bylaw would have to be amended.”

The move comes after a separate application in the neighbouring RM of Sherwood, south of Regina.

The applicant for that project is Bell Canada (BCE), the parent company of CTV News.

• Regina may soon be home to an AI data centre, documents show

According to the letter published Feb. 9, the multiphase project will include a campus of interconnected low-rise data centre buildings covering more than 500,000 square feet, shared administrative office buildings, 300 parking stalls, and a SaskPower substation.

The corporation also claimed the project would create future development along Park Street Road and could possibly include a research partnership with the University of Regina, reclaiming heat generated from the data centres for use in greenhouses.

The letter ends by stating Phase 1 of the program will consist of a 90,000 square foot building, with the company hoping to expedite in 2026.

The RM says the planning and development department has received multiple inquiries regarding potential data centre developments.

“A series of applications requirements, development standards and conditions of approval are included within the amendment to address common concerns,” the RM’s report adds.

Petitions aim to halt project

Two online petitions are calling for Bell’s proposed AI data centre to be shut down, raising concerns over environmental impacts, water usage and sustainability.

One petition has over 6,400 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

“Having [an AI data centre] in Regina can seriously impact our environment, and overall harm our city,” the petition’s author said. “Large data centers consume around 5 million gallons of water daily. This means we will have less water for agriculture, which our province relies on for economy.”

The second petition is warning of the risks to the natural surrounding.

“Discharging untreated water back into the environment could cause long-term ecological damage, impacting the local flora and fauna, as well as the general health of the population,” it said. “The environmental ramifications extend to noise and light pollution as well.”

Edenwold’s amendments attempt to address common concerns raised by data centres.

“Due to the large building footprint and mechanical equipment associated with data centres, development standards relating to aesthetics and noise have been included to minimize the impact on surrounding uses,” administration’s reports says.

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“Due to their cooling requirements, data centres may use significantly more water than similar uses.”

Bzdel says applicants will have to submit extensive reports about the proposal’s impact.

“The opportunity through the discretionary use process does also allow council to put conditions on approval. The process is public,” she explained. “Depending on the location and the type of facility, if there is an application in the future, administration can require the applicant to post a notice as well to share that information with the public.”

The RM of Edenwold has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday where residents will be allowed an opportunity to speak as a delegate.

No registration is required ahead of the meeting to speak.

The public hearing is set for 10 a.m. at the RM of Edenwold’s office.

- With files from David Prisciak