Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a large-scale data center project due to concerns about transparency from the municipal council. The residents are worried about the potential environmental impact and noise levels of the proposed project. They are calling for thorough environmental assessments, public consultations, 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 with over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city for downplaying specific concerns and not considering the broader implications of the project. He emphasized that the issues at hand go beyond individual problems and require a more comprehensive approach.
The city of Sherbrooke is moving forward with the agreement with Keel Infrastructure, a company based in the U.S. previously known as Bitfarms. This move has sparked memories of past controversies related to cryptocurrency operations by the same company, which faced backlash over noise pollution and energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, raised additional worries about digital sovereignty, highlighting the preference for a Quebec or Canadian company to lead the project instead of benefiting a foreign entity. He stressed the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the absence of meaningful engagement with the local community.
In response to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not yet finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau explained that the recent approval allows the city to negotiate the sale of a specific plot of land but does not grant permission to commence construction. The municipality underscored the financial importance of the project, citing significant revenue generated by electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke.
Bibeau pointed out that the company has a specified timeframe to complete essential studies, finalize their business plan, and meet the city’s requirements before any construction can begin. She reassured residents that measures such as advanced cooling systems and strategic location selection would address concerns about water waste and noise pollution.
Despite the assurances, some elected officials, including members of Sherbrooke Citoyen, have raised objections to the lack of transparency surrounding the project’s development. Keel Infrastructure responded to the community’s concerns by highlighting the minimal water usage of their proposed cooling system and emphasizing that the data center would not lead to increased electricity consumption.
The company announced plans to conduct a public information session in the coming months to address residents’ inquiries and dispel comparisons with their previous cryptocurrency mining operations. They emphasized the need to evaluate the new data center project independently and provide more detailed information as it becomes available.