Large turnout in Kinsmen Park voices opposition to Sherwood data centre
Hundreds of residents gathered at Kinsmen Park in Saskatoon on Sunday for an anti-artificial intelligence rally to oppose a proposed data centre in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, just outside Regina. Organizers said the event gave people a place to express concern about provincial approval of the project and the level of consultation that took place.
The data centre, which was approved in April, has prompted at least three protests across Saskatchewan as early construction activities begin near Sherwood municipal offices. Organizers at the Saskatoon rally said their objections include the project’s environmental effects, the scale of the investment — reported to exceed $1 billion — and what they describe as inadequate public engagement.
“We’re finding out about it through newspapers, newsletters. They’re not really telling us, they’re not having us vote on these data centres, even though these environmental effects are very well documented.”
The quote was delivered by Thieb Milyon Deng, a co-founder of the Red Bear Party and one of the event’s organizers. Deng told the crowd he was acting as a community voice for people who want more information and more say over projects with potential environmental and social effects.
Specific local concerns raised at the rally
Speakers at the gathering highlighted several concerns they say have not been adequately addressed by proponents or government decision-makers. Among those concerns were questions about water use, impacts on wildlife and insects, and noise or vibration effects that some protestors say could harm bees.
- Water — Organizers noted the company has described the centre as using a closed-loop water system, but they said broader water impacts remain an issue.
- Wildlife and insects — Protesters raised worries about possible effects on local animals and pollinators, including bees.
- Public process — A recurring theme was dissatisfaction with the level and timing of consultation and community notification.
Those at the rally argued that the provincial government and developers should provide clearer and earlier notice to communities, and that major public investments might be better directed to social programs or other local priorities.
Where this stands: approvals and public response
Public records and reports indicate the Sherwood location received municipal approval in April. Large crowds have already gathered outside the municipal office in Sherwood when the plan was approved. Event organizers in Saskatoon said their rally was one of three protests held so far in the province.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Municipality | RM of Sherwood (near Regina) |
| Approval | April (municipal approval) |
| Protests to date | At least 3 across Saskatchewan |
| Reported project cost | Over $1 billion |
Organizers said they wanted to ensure concerns are not limited to the site near Regina but are heard across the province. Speakers encouraged participants to press municipal and provincial elected officials for more transparent consultation and to ask questions about environmental assessments.
Questions for authorities and next steps
The rally underscored a gap between local concern and the steps taken so far by proponents and government. While project managers have said the data centre will use a closed-loop water system that does not draw fresh water to refill operations, residents said potential indirect effects on water sources, wildlife and pollinators require fuller public discussion.
No representatives from the provincial government or project developers addressed the Saskatoon crowd during the event, according to organizers. Protest leaders said they intend to continue community meetings and public demonstrations to press for more information and involvement in decision-making.
The demonstration in Saskatoon reflects a broader conversation in the province about balancing large technology investments with environmental protection and community consent. Residents who want more information or who wish to engage further are being encouraged by organizers to follow local Red Bear Party communications and to contact municipal representatives.
The NEXO RADAR will continue to monitor developments related to the Sherwood data-centre project and further public responses in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan.
