First Nations demand Bell release environmental assessment of new AI data centre

Water, air and light pollution, concerns Chief Roger Redmond has at top of mind. He wonders how the land he grew up on may be impacted by the creation of the country's largest data centre by Bell Canada. Just an hour's drive outside Standing Buffalo, Dakota First Nation. Anything that has that living spirit. We have to safeguard that. Chief Redmond says Bell has refused to consult with the First Nation or release its environmental assessments to the public. Work with us. Give us these answers. Let us do our own assessments. Recognize the rights of the Indian people. We're the narrative of our own legislation. Bell says they will release an assessment with the project's next phase. The 52 billion dollar centre is Canada's largest single private sector capital investment. But the pushback extends far beyond just the First Nation. Multiple public protests have been held in Regina against the centre's creation. In a statement to CBC, Bell said protecting the land, water and the people who live nearby has guided the design of this campus from the start, pointing to a closed-loop water system that minimizes waste. Bell says they are working with First Nations. George Gordon, First Nation, owns land that borders the site and says they have worked with Bell to obtain jobs for 80 Indigenous workers so far. And these projects are going to happen. And so we can either be in front of them or we can sit across the street and complain about them being built. And sustaining of life. And that's why it's important that water... Standing Buffalo is preparing to take Bell to court if current environmental assessments aren't shared. Bell says they have offered to meet with the First Nation. Six data halls are planned for this site. It's expected two will be up and running in the first half of 2027. Helena Maholik, CBC News, near Regina.