First Nation Members to Decide on $500-Million AI Data Centre Near Kamloops
Upper Nicola Band members will vote on July 7 to approve a $500M AI data centre on their reserve, promising 200 permanent jobs and significant tax revenue. Online voting starts the week prior.
First Nation Members to Vote on $500-Million AI Data Centre Project
Members of the Upper Nicola Band, located south of Kamloops, are set to vote on a proposal to build a $500-million artificial intelligence data centre on their reserve. This project is part of a partnership between Bell Canada and Kamloops-based iTel Networks, which plans to develop six AI data centres across British Columbia. Three of these centres are slated for Kamloops, with the Upper Nicola Band reserve near Merritt hosting one.
The upcoming vote, scheduled for July 7, will determine whether the community approves the use of 100 to 150 acres of Lot 87 on the reserve, near the north end of Nicola Lake, for the data centre. Online voting opens on Monday, giving band members the opportunity to participate conveniently.
Project Details and Community Impact
A disclosure statement shared with band members assures that the data centre’s operation will not cause any unusual environmental effects. The facility will consist of a modern, highly designed warehouse complex, described as quiet and non-polluting.
Construction is expected to take approximately two years. Once operational, the centre is projected to create around 200 permanent jobs, alongside roughly 2,000 construction-related positions during the build phase. This represents a significant employment opportunity for the community.
Financially, the project promises substantial benefits. The band’s statement highlights that the tax revenues generated could exceed all previous revenue sources combined. However, exact figures are not yet available, as the tax base is still being determined.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
- Information sessions for band members are planned for June 25 and June 30.
- Voting will take place on July 7 with online access starting the week prior.
This decision carries long-term implications for land use, employment, and economic development within the Upper Nicola Band reserve. For those in real estate and construction, this project represents a notable development in the region’s infrastructure and commercial landscape.
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