Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have voiced opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, expressing concerns about the lack of transparency from the municipal council. Worries center around the potential environmental impact and noise levels associated with the project. The residents are advocating for comprehensive environmental assessments, open public discussions, and are questioning the decision to allow a U.S.-based company to construct a massive data center in their vicinity.
Leading the petition movement is Jayson Roy, who has gathered over 4,500 signatures. Roy criticized the city for selectively emphasizing the project’s benefits while disregarding specific issues and failing to consider the broader implications. He stressed the need for a more holistic approach beyond addressing individual challenges.
The City of Sherbrooke is moving forward with a deal involving Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. firm formerly known as Bitfarms. This move has sparked memories of past criticism directed at the same company for its cryptocurrency operations, which raised concerns about noise pollution and energy consumption among residents.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, also highlighted concerns regarding digital sovereignty. He suggested that having a Quebec or Canadian entity spearheading the project would be preferable to channeling profits to a foreign enterprise.
Responding to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not yet finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau explained that the city has granted conditional approval to negotiate the sale of a specific industrial lot, not to commence construction immediately. She underscored the financial benefits for the city, citing the substantial revenue generated through electricity sales.
The company has been given 180 days to conduct essential studies, finalize business plans, and meet city-imposed conditions. Bibeau assured that advanced cooling systems and the industrial location would address concerns related to water wastage and noise pollution. She emphasized the necessity of thorough impact studies and reiterated that no blanket approval has been granted for the project.
Keel Infrastructure disclosed plans for a public information session to address residents’ queries and dispel misconceptions. It assured that the data center would not escalate electricity consumption, as existing capacities would be transferred to the new site without additional power demands. The company emphasized the need to evaluate the proposed data center independently, citing past collaborations with the city to address noise concerns effectively.