Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, claiming the municipal council is moving forward with the project without proper transparency. Concerns raised by residents include potential environmental repercussions and noise pollution from the data center. They are urging for comprehensive environmental assessments, open public discussions, and questioning the decision to allow an American-backed company to construct a massive data facility in their vicinity.
Jayson Roy, a resident actively involved in the petition against the data center, has gathered over 4,500 signatures. He criticized the city for selectively highlighting the project’s benefits while disregarding specific concerns and overlooking the broader implications. Roy emphasized that the issue transcends individual issues, stating, “It goes above and beyond these individual little problems.”
The City of Sherbrooke is moving forward with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S.-based company formerly known as Bitfarms, for the development. The approval for the conditional sale of land on Industriel Boulevard to the company was granted by the city council earlier this month. Many residents view this development with skepticism, as previous cryptocurrency activities by the same company faced backlash due to noise levels and energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, highlighted concerns regarding digital sovereignty. He expressed preference for a Quebec or Canadian company leading the project, rather than a foreign entity reaping the financial benefits. Roy emphasized the lack of public consultation in the decision-making process and the confidentiality surrounding crucial documents related to the project.
Responding to the public criticism, Sherbrooke authorities clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau explained that the conditional approval simply allows the city to engage in negotiations for the sale of land in an industrial zone, not an immediate authorization for construction. Municipal officials underscored the significant financial gains associated with the project, citing the substantial revenue generated by electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke.
The company has a 180-day timeline to fulfill required studies, finalize business plans, and meet city-imposed conditions. Bibeau reassured the public that advanced cooling systems and strategic location would address concerns such as water wastage and noise levels. She emphasized the necessity of conducting comprehensive impact studies and assured that the project would adhere to strict regulations.
While some city officials have raised objections to the project due to transparency issues, Keel Infrastructure acknowledged the residents’ concerns and clarified aspects of the data center’s operations. The company assured minimal water usage through a closed-loop cooling system and stated that the data center would not increase electricity consumption. Keel announced plans for a public information session in the upcoming months and emphasized that the project should be evaluated independently based on forthcoming details.
