Merritt Selected as Site for Bell Canada’s National AI Data Centre
JUNE 2, 2025 (updated June 23, 2025)
MERRITT, B.C. – The City of Merritt has been named one of the first sites in Bell Canada’s new AI Fabric network — the country’s largest planned infrastructure project dedicated to high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) computing.
The Merritt facility, opening by the end of 2025, will deliver 7 megawatts (MW) of hydro-powered AI computing capacity. It is part of a six-facility strategy that will provide more than 500 MW of environmentally responsible computing power to businesses, researchers, and public institutions across Canada.
“Bell’s decision to invest in Merritt reflects our unique strengths — clean energy, affordable land, and a central location that connects key regions of B.C.,” said Mayor Michael Goetz. “This is a smart, forward-looking investment in Merritt’s future.”
The data centre will be located on a 5-acre (2-hectare) site adjacent to the Merritt Municipal Airport, strategically positioned at the junction of major provincial highways linking the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan. The city also offers ample electrical capacity for future growth, with a substation built for expansion, currently supporting five feeder lines at 13 MVA each. The data centre works on a closed-loop water cooling system, conserving water usage.
Merritt offers a rare combination of infrastructure advantages — from reliable energy and fibre connectivity to supportive, business-friendly governance. Michelle Charlton, the seller, adds “We look forward to continued work with the Merritt Data Centre as they invest and create new technical employment in the city. There’s significant potential in the surrounding lands — especially with the opportunity to reuse surplus heat from the data centre for agrotech and industrial purposes.”
“B.C. has a robust and rapidly growing AI sector, and the supercluster of data centres will drive innovation, create jobs, and further strengthen our province’s position as an emerging world-class AI hub,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation for British Columbia.
With low land costs, a skilled workforce, and a superb quality of life, Merritt is well-positioned to support future growth and investment in advanced technology and innovation sectors.
Media Contact:
Communications Department
City of Merritt
communications@merritt.ca
250-378-4224
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FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT THIS BELL CANADA AI CENTRE, CONTACT CAREERS@ITEL.COM.
