Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, citing lack of transparency from the municipal council. Concerns revolve around environmental repercussions and noise pollution, prompting calls for thorough environmental assessments and public consultations. The involvement of a U.S.-based company in constructing a massive data center locally has raised questions among residents.
Jayson Roy, a resident spearheading the petition with over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city for downplaying specific concerns and proceeding without broader community engagement. Highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach, Roy emphasized the significance of the process beyond individual issues.
The city is advancing negotiations with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. firm previously known as Bitfarms, following city council’s conditional approval for the land sale on Industriel Boulevard. Past experiences with cryptocurrency operations by the same company have fueled skepticism among residents due to past criticisms over noise and energy usage.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, also raised apprehensions regarding digital sovereignty, suggesting a preference for local or national companies leading such endeavors rather than foreign entities. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process and limited public discourse have further fueled discontent among residents.
Responding to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not yet finalized but provides a mandate for negotiations on the sale of an industrial lot. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau highlighted the financial implications, noting the substantial revenue generated through electricity sales by Hydro-Sherbrooke.
The company has a 180-day timeline to complete necessary studies, finalize business plans, and meet city-imposed conditions. Bibeau emphasized the use of modern cooling systems to minimize water wastage and noise pollution, reassuring residents of the project’s careful evaluation process. Despite the assurances, consultations with local utilities and further assessments are pending before project approval.
While Keel Infrastructure plans a public information session to address resident inquiries, some elected officials, including three councillors from Sherbrooke Citoyen, have opposed the project’s initial steps, citing transparency concerns. The company aims to address water consumption worries through a closed-loop cooling system and downplays electricity usage increase claims by consolidating existing capacity rather than demanding additional power generation.
Amid ongoing debates, the company stresses the need to evaluate the proposed data center independently based on current information, distancing it from past cryptocurrency operations in Sherbrooke. The planned public information session aims to provide more clarity as the project progresses, emphasizing the project’s distinct features and potential benefits.