Bell Canada has named Bird Construction as its lead construction partner for its AI data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, along with future projects.

The long-term partnership with the company, announced on Thursday, will prioritize local and Indigenous employee participation, with Bird serving as Bell Canada’s preferred construction company, as it supports a multi-year national AI data centre buildout.

The Sherwood AI data centre marks the first project under the partnership.

Bird Construction was founded in Moose Jaw in 1920 and has delivered large-scale infrastructure and energy projects across Saskatchewan since then, according to Bell.

Regina-based Alton Tangedal Architect Ltd. and George Gordon Developments Ltd. were also confirmed to be assigned to the project, with Tangedal appointed as Architect of Record, and George Gordon Developments Ltd appointed to maximize business opportunities.

The Sherwood facility was first announced in March, with work at the site beginning earlier this month. Hipperson Construction was previously announced as a contractor for the early phases of construction.

The 300-megawatt facility is projected to cost $1.7 billion to build and generate up to $12 billion in long-term economic value.