The Thompson Rivers University Community Trust (the Trust) is pleased to announce that construction has officially begun on a new data centre at 1452 McGill Road, which will form part of Bell Canada’s Bell AI Fabric – a national full-stack AI infrastructure platform that brings together secure data centres, high-performance compute, networking and managed services to support advanced research, innovation and AI adoption in Canada. The project responds to growing demand from businesses, researchers and public sector organizations for trusted, Canadian-based AI capabilities, while helping strengthen Canada’s long-term digital and economic competitiveness.
The project’s final design review has been completed in alignment with TRU’s Design Guidelines and construction is now underway. The leading developer of the project is TrueNorth Sustainable Infrastructure Inc. The data centre is anticipated to be completed in late 2027.
The project provides the following benefits:
• Designed to complement the campus and community: Located along McGill Road, the development integrates with adjacent light industrial land-uses while meeting TRU’s high design standards. The project reflects the University’s commitment to maintaining excellence in design and planning across all campus lands.
• Supporting academic and research excellence: The data centre creates opportunities for collaboration with TRU researchers and students, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. Potential initiatives include internships, applied research projects and partnerships that enhance hands-on learning and innovation.
• Environmental sustainability leadership: Sustainability is a core component of the Project’s design. Notably, the facility is being planned with the capability to capture and repurpose waste heat as part of a future Low Carbon District Energy System, supporting TRU’s broader climate and sustainability goals.
• Driving local economic growth: The project positions Kamloops and British Columbia at the forefront of sustainable AI innovation. In addition to supporting Canada’s digital infrastructure, the development will generate high-quality employment opportunities in construction, operations, AI development and research.
“This project reflects the kind of collaboration needed to strengthen Canada’s AI ecosystem. By expanding domestic computing capacity through Bell AI Fabric, we’re helping ensure Canadian organizations can build and deploy AI with confidence, security, and performance.”
– President, Bell AI Fabric, Dan Rink
“The partnership between Bell AI Fabric and Thompson Rivers University is advancing Canada’s sovereign AI infrastructure. TRU is thrilled to combine our world class standing in environmental sustainability with the vision and actions of Bell AI Fabric to achieve exceptional AI network capabilities. We are convinced the way forward is applied and responsible AI. We are committed to all this partnership makes possible to amplify use-inspired research and education applied to real-world challenges in Interior BC, the province and Canada. With the construction now begun of the building, this is incredibly exciting. Perhaps even more exciting is the potential we will realize together, within this now-national network. Thompson Rivers University welcomes this historic opportunity to partner Bell AI Fabric to build a strong, positive, responsible future for Interior BC and from Interior BC. ”
– Thompson Rivers University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Airini
The Trust looks forward to sharing further updates as construction progresses toward the anticipated completion in late 2027.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
