AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
RM of Sherwood to Hold Council Byelection
The Rural Municipality (RM) of Sherwood, which is home to Bell Canada's substantial AI data centre project, will conduct a council byelection on Monday following a period under a provincially appointed council.
Key Leadership Positions Acclaimed
According to documentation from the RM of Sherwood, Carl Husum has been acclaimed as the new reeve. Additionally, Christopher Reynolds has been acclaimed as councillor for Division 4 and Jeff Poissant as councillor for Division 6. These positions were filled without a vote as there were no opposing candidates.
Background: Provincial Appointment and Development Approvals
Carl Husum will replace Ray Orb as reeve. Orb, the former president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), was among the officials appointed by the provincial government after four of the council's seven members resigned in March 2026. The appointed team included Orb, Mitch Huber, Donna Strudwick, and Judy Harwood.
The provincial appointments occurred just days before the council approved the development of Bell Canada's AI Fabric data centre, located just south of Regina. On Thursday, the council—comprising four appointed and three previously elected members from the 2024 municipal election—gave unanimous approval for rezoning an 895-acre expansion to the under-construction facility.
Details of the AI Data Centre Project
The AI data centre, a major initiative by Bell Canada, is supported by a memorandum of understanding with the provincial government. The agreement outlines shared goals and a general framework for what could become a $52-billion deal, although it remains non-binding. The specific terms of the agreement have not been released to the public.
Contested Council Seats
The byelection will determine the councillors for Division 2 and Division 3. The Division 2 race features Parker Schikowski, Draedon Hozempa, and Dan Hebert, while Division 3 sees John Wilke competing against Harry Frank. The 2021 census recorded the RM's population at 1,219 residents.
Looking Ahead
As residents of the RM of Sherwood prepare to elect their new council members, the area continues to play a key role in the development of a significant AI infrastructure project for Bell Canada. The results of the upcoming byelection are expected to shape the municipal leadership and its approach to ongoing development in the region.
Source: cbc.ca.
