Thousands of citizens in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have signed a petition opposing a planned large data center that they believe is being pushed forward by the local council without adequate transparency. Concerns raised by residents include the potential environmental impact and noise levels of the project. They are calling for environmental assessments, open 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 involved in the petition drive that has gathered over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city for selectively highlighting the project’s benefits while disregarding specific worries and the broader context. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond individual aspects and requires a comprehensive evaluation.
The municipal authorities in Sherbrooke are moving ahead with an agreement with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. firm previously known as Bitfarms. The recent approval by the city council for a conditional land sale on Industriel Boulevard to the company has sparked memories among many residents of past cryptocurrency ventures by the same entity that faced backlash for noise disturbances and energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the technology sector, expressed reservations about digital sovereignty and emphasized the preference for a Quebec or Canadian company spearheading the project rather than benefiting a foreign corporation. He stressed the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the absence of dialogue with residents by the city administration.
Responding to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not finalized and only represents an initial step to negotiate the sale of a specific land parcel, not a green light for construction. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau highlighted the financial implications, pointing out that electricity sales to Hydro-Sherbrooke generate substantial revenue crucial for the city’s finances.
The company has a set period of 180 days to conclude necessary studies, finalize their business strategy, and meet city-imposed conditions before any construction commences. Bibeau assured that measures like closed-circuit cooling systems and strategic location would address concerns about water wastage and noise pollution. She emphasized the importance of conducting comprehensive impact studies and engaging with relevant authorities before final approval.
Keel Infrastructure announced plans for a public information session to address residents’ queries and clarified that the data center would have minimal water usage due to its advanced cooling system. The company also stated that the new facility would not lead to increased electricity consumption, as it intends to transfer existing electrical capacity to the new site without demanding additional power generation. Keel sought to distance itself from past noise issues associated with its cryptocurrency mining operations and emphasized that the proposed data center should be evaluated independently based on forthcoming details.