AI and Data Centres in Saskatchewan
As artificial intelligence becomes part of our everyday lives, there’s a growing conversation happening behind the scenes — one that has nothing to do with prompts or algorithms, and everything to do with infrastructure.
When CTV Your Morning Saskatchewan asked me to break down data centres and what they mean for Saskatchewan, I was glad to dive in. Because while AI can feel invisible, the systems that support it are very real — and they matter to communities, energy systems, and local economies.
What Is a Data Centre — and Why Do We Need Them Now?
Data centres aren’t new, but the scale and speed at which we now rely on them absolutely is.
A data centre is a physical building that houses networked computers, servers, and data storage systems. These facilities are what make the internet work. Every time you send an email, stream a video, store a file in the cloud, or ask a question of an AI tool, that request is routed — often in milliseconds — to the nearest data centre and back.
AI dramatically increases demand because it requires enormous computing power. Even when a response feels instant, there’s a significant amount of processing happening in the background. As AI adoption grows, so does the need for more robust, reliable data infrastructure.
Do We Already Have Data Centres in Saskatchewan?
Yes — and this often surprises people.
Saskatchewan has had data centres for years. SaskTel operates facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan hosts a research-focused data centre, and several private companies also operate locally. What’s changing is demand.
With AI-driven data processing accelerating, there are now proposed data centre projects in Moose Jaw and southeast Saskatchewan, as well as active discussions around additional capacity in Saskatoon.
What’s the Downside? Energy and Water
Data centres are energy-intensive — particularly when it comes to cooling. Globally, data centres already account for about 1.5% of total energy use, and that figure is expected to double by 2030.
Many facilities also rely on water-based cooling systems. In regions experiencing water scarcity, this has already become a serious concern. Some communities in Alberta, for example, are navigating water-use pressures linked to industrial and data infrastructure growth.
Saskatchewan has a natural advantage: our climate. Cooler temperatures for roughly half the year make it easier — and more energy-efficient — to keep facilities at safe operating temperatures. Still, power demand and water usage must be carefully monitored, planned, and governed.
The Upside: Data Sovereignty and Economic Opportunity
One of the most important benefits of local data centres is data sovereignty. Much of Canada’s data is currently stored outside the country, often in the United States. Expanding Canadian — and Saskatchewan-based — data infrastructure increases the ability to keep sensitive data secure and governed under Canadian laws.
There are also economic benefits. Data centres bring high-skilled jobs, long-term infrastructure investment, and opportunities to align energy innovation with technology growth. When done thoughtfully, they can become anchors for broader digital ecosystems.
So, What’s the Path Forward for Saskatchewan?
This isn’t a simple yes-or-no decision.
Data centres are massive, capital-intensive projects that take years to plan and build. The future lies in balance: exploring opportunities while being intentional about environmental impacts, energy planning, and community (especially Indigenous) engagement.
Saskatchewan sits at an interesting intersection of energy expertise, climate advantage, and growing tech demand. The question isn’t whether data centres will be part of our future — it’s how we design, regulate, and integrate them in a way that serves both people and the planet.
AI may live in the cloud, but its footprint is firmly on the ground. Understanding that is the first step toward making smart, responsible decisions about what comes next.