Thousands of Sherbrooke, Quebec residents have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center due to concerns over the lack of transparency in the project’s development by the municipal council. Worries about environmental repercussions and noise pollution have prompted residents to demand comprehensive environmental assessments, public consultations, and to question the decision to allow a U.S.-backed corporation to construct a massive data center in their vicinity.
Jayson Roy, a resident leading the petition with over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city for selectively highlighting the project’s benefits while disregarding specific apprehensions and neglecting the broader implications. In an interview with CBC’s Quebec AM, Roy emphasized that the issues extend beyond individual grievances.
The City of Sherbrooke is progressing with the agreement with Keel Infrastructure, an American entity formerly known as Bitfarms. This move has sparked memories of past cryptocurrency ventures by the same company that faced backlash over noise disturbances and energy consumption, leaving many residents wary of the new development.
Roy, who operates in the technology sector, raised concerns regarding digital sovereignty, suggesting that having a Quebec or Canadian firm leading the initiative would be preferable to contributing profits to a foreign enterprise. He emphasized the lack of public engagement in the decision-making process and the confidentiality surrounding crucial project documents.
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 merely allows the city to negotiate the sale of a designated lot in an industrial area, not to proceed with construction. The municipal leaders highlighted the financial benefits, citing the substantial revenue generated by electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke, which significantly impacts the city’s budget.
Bibeau assured that the company has a designated timeframe to conduct essential studies, finalize the business strategy, and fulfill city-imposed conditions before any construction begins. She emphasized the implementation of advanced cooling systems to minimize water wastage and noise pollution, along with the assurance that the project would adhere to environmental regulations.
Despite the city’s stance, some elected officials, including three councillors from Sherbrooke Citoyen, have expressed reservations about the project’s transparency and the need for more public discourse. Keel Infrastructure responded by acknowledging residents’ queries and assured that the data center’s operations would have minimal impact on water consumption and electricity usage, with plans for a forthcoming public information session to address concerns and provide clarifications.