Construction underway on AI data centre at Thompson Rivers University. Work starts on TRU AI hub. Josh Dawson - Apr 9, 2026 / 11:45 am | Story: 607912 Photo: TRU An artist rendering of Hillside AI Centre, a data centre Bell, iTel and TRU are partnering to build at 1452 McGill Rd. Construction is underway on a new AI data centre at Thompson Rivers University. It is located at 1452 McGill Rd. and will form part of Bell Canada's network of new AI data centres, starting with a supercluster of six in B.C. that includes one more at TRU, another on Mission Flat Road and a fourth in Merritt. The facility is being constructed through TRU's property trust. The facility is being planned with the capability to capture and repurpose waste heat as part of its Low Carbon District Energy System, which would support TRU's climate and sustainability goals. "We are convinced the way forward is applied and responsible AI," said university president Dr. Airini. She said TRU welcomes the "historic opportunity" to partner with Bell. Dan Rink, CEO of partner iTel Networks and Bell's president of AI infrastructure, said the 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," Rink said in a news release. TRU said the project will integrate with adjacent light industry on McGill Road, support academic and research opportunities for students and faculty, and create job opportunities in construction, operations, AI development and research. The new data centre is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Mitel Networks has emerged from creditor protection after completing a financial restructuring plan. This plan significantly reduces its debt and secures $125 million in new funding. The prepackaged agreement, involving senior and junior lenders and other investors, was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in April.