The opposition NDP says last week the Carry the Kettle First Nation issued a public letter outlining its serious concerns about the lack of engagement regarding the hyperscale AI data centre under contruction in the RM of Sherwood. The First Nation is calling for an immediate pause to the project.

The NDP says that follows a letter issued by Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation in which its leadership asked for clear information about the project’s technical foundation, environmental impacts and approval processes citing it as a matter of accountability to its members.

The NDP says it supports both Nations’ calls to action and urge the Sask. Party government to not only engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue but to pause the project until that consultation has occurred.

Meanwhile Aztec AI Health is expected to pull the plug on its amended concept plan for an AI data centre at the former Valley View site, south of Moose Jaw. This week’s council meeting agenda indicates a letter was sent to the September 10 withdrawing the amended plan.

The company cited “significant developments in the policy environment at both the federal and provincial levels.” It also said it took into consideration “feedback received throughout the planning review process from Moose Jaw city council, city administration, the local community and other relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed data centre development.”

The amended concept plan proposed a $485-million AI data centre. The proposal called for starting at 15 megawatts and potentially reaching 150 megawatts.

Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod has said the provincial government was not seriously considering an application for power to the site.

Written with files from discovermoosejaw.com