Mr. Dan Rink of BCE reports

BELL NAMES CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS FOR 300 MW SASKATCHEWAN AI FABRIC FACILITY AND ANNOUNCES LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH BIRD CONSTRUCTION

BCE Inc.'s Bell Canada has named the next set of development and construction partners for Bell AI Fabric's 300-megawatt data centre in the rural municipality of Sherwood, Sask., and formalized a long-term partnership with Bird Construction Inc. to support a multiyear, Canada-wide AI (artificial intelligence) data centre buildout.

The Sherwood facility, first announced in March, is a cornerstone of Bell AI Fabric's strategy to deliver sovereign, made-in-Canada AI infrastructure across the country. The project will provide capacity to customers Cerebras and CoreWeave, with the first phase expected to come on line in the first half of 2027.

Project delivery partners in Saskatchewan

Bird Construction has been selected as the lead construction partner for the Sherwood facility. Alton Tangedal Architect Ltd. (ATAL), based in Regina, has been appointed architect of record while George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL) will aim to maximize business opportunities throughout the build, beginning with the delivery of site services.

These partnerships build on the Saskatchewan-based contractors previously announced for the early phases of construction, including Regina-based Hipperson Construction.

Founded in Moose Jaw in 1920, Bird has a long-standing presence in Saskatchewan and has delivered large-scale infrastructure and energy projects across the province. In Sherwood, Bird will prioritize local and indigenous work force participation in co-ordination with Bell and other project partners.

ATAL brings more than 25 years of architectural experience in Saskatchewan to the project. The engagement of GGDL builds on Bell and the George Gordon First Nation's agreement on indigenous procurement participation and work force development, reflecting a shared commitment to economic development for George Gordon First Nation members and the broader region.

Bell AI Fabric and Bird Construction form long-term strategic partnership

The Sherwood facility is the first project under a long-term strategic partnership between Bell and Bird. Under the agreement, Bird will serve as Bell's preferred construction partner, and the two have established a basis from which to collaborate on potential future AI data centre projects supporting Bell AI Fabric's nationwide buildout.

Quotes

"Canada's AI economy needs world-class digital infrastructure, and we need partners with the scale, discipline and Canadian footprint to build it on time. The team announced today gives us that foundation in Saskatchewan. With Bird as our preferred construction partner, we are well positioned to continue to build out critical AI infrastructure for Canada in the years to come," said Dan Rink, president, Bell AI Infrastructure and Strategy.

"Bell is making one of the most significant technology infrastructure investments in Canada's recent history, and we are proud to have been selected as lead construction partner for the Sherwood facility, working alongside other Saskatchewan partners. The strategic long-term partnership advances our mission-critical platform and reinforces our position as the partner of choice for Canada's largest and most complex infrastructure projects, including large-scale AI data centres, where our integrated self-perform electrical, mechanical, civil and systems capabilities as a leading specialty contractor are increasingly differentiated," said Teri McKibbon, president and chief executive officer of Bird Construction.

"To serve as architect of record for a project of this scale and significance in Saskatchewan is a defining opportunity for our team. ATAL has spent more than 25 years designing buildings across the province, and we are proud to bring that local experience to a facility that will help shape Canada's AI future," said Trevor Monroe, principal architect, Alton Tangedal Architect.

"GGDL is proud to work alongside Bell, Bird Construction and ATAL to build on the foundation of our agreement to deliver lasting value for our community and for Saskatchewan. Delivering on a project of this scale creates real and measurable opportunities for George Gordon First Nation members through business participation, careers and training opportunities," said Don Ross, chief executive officer of George Gordon Developments.

Warrant terms

As part of the strategic partnership, Bird will issue Bell warrants to acquire up to 2,625,000 common shares of Bird, with 750,000 warrants vesting on the delivery of the Sherwood facility and the remainder vesting in connection with the delivery of potential future AI data centre projects, as and when delivered by Bird pursuant to the strategic partnership, over a period of five years. The issuance of the warrants is subject to Toronto Stock Exchange approval. The warrants will have a term of seven years and an exercise price of $52 (equal to the five-day volume-weighted average price of Bird's common shares preceding this announcement).

About BCE Inc.

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services, and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, Bell is keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage.

About Bird Construction Inc.

Bird is a leading Canadian construction and maintenance company operating from coast to coast to coast. Servicing all of Canada's major markets through a collaborative, safety-first approach, Bird provides a comprehensive range of construction services, self-perform capabilities and innovative solutions to the industrial, buildings and infrastructure markets. For over 105 years, Bird has been a people-focused company with an unwavering commitment to safety and a high level of service that provides long-term value for all stakeholders.

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