Saskatchewan residents protest $1 billion AI data centre near Regina

An anti‑artificial‑intelligence rally was held at Kinsmen Park in Saskatoon, drawing a large crowd to oppose a proposed data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, just outside Regina. Thieb Milyon Deng, co‑founder of the Red Bear Party, said the community was not consulted and warned about environmental impacts, including water use and harm to insects such as bees from noise and vibrations.

The data‑centre project, approved in April, is expected to cost over $1 billion and will use a closed‑loop water system that does not draw fresh water. Protesters argue the funds would be better spent on social services and local water infrastructure. While Deng acknowledged some benefits of AI in specialized fields like medical imaging, he called for limiting generative AI deployment.

The protests represent one of three demonstrations across Saskatchewan against the development, reflecting broader public concern over large AI‑related infrastructure projects.