In Sherbrooke, Quebec, a significant number of residents have expressed opposition to a proposed mega data center, citing concerns about the lack of transparency in the municipal council’s push for the project. Worries about the environmental impact and noise generated by the data center have prompted residents to demand environmental assessments, public discussions, and a reevaluation of allowing a U.S.-backed company to construct a large-scale data center in their community.
Jayson Roy, a resident leading the petition, has gathered over 4,500 signatures, highlighting the city’s selective promotion of the project’s benefits while disregarding specific apprehensions and the broader implications. He emphasized to CBC’s Quebec AM that the issues at hand extend beyond individual aspects and require a comprehensive assessment.
The municipal authorities in Sherbrooke are moving forward with negotiations with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S.-based firm formerly known as Bitfarms. This decision has stirred memories among many residents of past cryptocurrency ventures by the same company, which faced criticism over noise levels and energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the tech sector, raised concerns about digital sovereignty, questioning the involvement of a foreign entity in the project rather than a Quebec or Canadian enterprise. His stance reflects a desire for more homegrown initiatives in the city.
Addressing the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not yet finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau emphasized that the current approval is merely a mandate for negotiations regarding the sale of land and not a green light for construction. Financial considerations play a significant role, with the city generating substantial revenue from electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke.
City leaders have outlined a 180-day timeline for Keel Infrastructure to conduct essential studies, finalize business plans, and meet the city’s conditions. Bibeau highlighted the use of modern cooling systems and the industrial location as measures to mitigate environmental impact and noise concerns.
Despite the assurances from the municipal government, some elected officials, including three councillors from the Sherbrooke Citoyen party, have raised objections. Keel Infrastructure, in response to residents’ queries, indicated plans for a limited water usage data center that would not lead to increased electricity consumption.
The company intends to organize a public information session in the coming months to address concerns and differentiate the proposed data center from its earlier cryptocurrency mining activities in Sherbrooke. Keel Infrastructure emphasized its commitment to transparency and asserted that the project’s evaluation should be based on current information as it becomes available.