Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, alleging lack of transparency by the municipal council in pushing the project forward. Concerns raised by residents focus on the potential environmental impact and noise emissions from the project. They are calling for thorough 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 community.
Jayson Roy, a resident leading the petition, emphasized that the city is selectively highlighting the project’s benefits while overlooking specific concerns and the broader implications. He stressed that the issues at hand extend beyond individual problems and require a comprehensive evaluation.
The city has been progressing with a deal involving Keel Infrastructure, formerly known as Bitfarms, an American company. Previous ventures by the same company in cryptocurrency operations faced criticism for noise disturbances and high energy consumption, leading residents to view the conditional land sale as a recurring contentious issue.
Roy, who is employed in the technology sector, also highlighted concerns regarding digital sovereignty. He suggested that having a Quebec or Canadian entity spearheading the project would differ significantly from foreign ownership in terms of revenue generation and control.
In response to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal is not yet finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau clarified that the recent approval merely authorizes negotiations for the sale of a designated lot within an industrial zone, not immediate construction. The city leaders emphasized the financial benefits associated with the project, citing substantial annual revenues from electricity sales as a crucial factor for the local economy.
The company has a set timeframe of 180 days to complete necessary studies, finalize business plans, and comply with city-imposed conditions. The utilization of modern cooling systems and the industrial location of the proposed data center are highlighted as measures to address concerns over water usage and noise pollution.
Despite the reassurances provided by the city, some elected officials, including three councillors from Sherbrooke Citoyen, have raised objections. The lack of transparency and the need for more information and public engagement were underscored as crucial aspects of the decision-making process.
Keel Infrastructure responded to the residents’ concerns, noting plans for a minimal water usage cooling system and the absence of increased electricity consumption. The company intends to hold a public information session to address queries and differentiate the current data center proposal from its past cryptocurrency mining operations. It emphasized the need for evaluating the new project independently based on forthcoming information.