Thousands of Sherbrooke residents in Quebec have expressed their opposition to a large data center project that they believe lacks transparency and could have negative environmental and noise impacts. The residents are calling for environmental assessments, 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 with over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city council for overlooking specific concerns and not considering the broader implications of the project. He emphasized that the issues at hand go beyond individual problems.
The City of Sherbrooke is moving forward with the deal with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. company formerly known as Bitfarms. This move has sparked criticism from residents who recall past controversies surrounding cryptocurrency operations by the same company, particularly related to noise and energy consumption.
Roy, who works in the technology sector, highlighted concerns about digital sovereignty and raised questions about the project benefiting a foreign company rather than a local one. He emphasized the lack of public engagement in the decision-making process, noting that essential documents were kept confidential.
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 approval is for negotiating the sale of land, not for immediate construction. She underscored the financial benefits for the city, citing the significant revenue generated through electricity sales.
To address concerns about environmental impact and noise, Bibeau mentioned plans for advanced cooling systems and limited water usage. She assured that thorough studies and consultations with relevant authorities will be conducted before any final approvals are granted.
Despite the company’s assurance of minimal water consumption and electricity usage, some elected officials, including members of Sherbrooke Citoyen party, remain skeptical. Keel Infrastructure stated its intention to hold a public information session to address resident questions and emphasized that the new data center will not replicate past issues associated with its cryptocurrency mining operations.
As the project progresses, ongoing evaluations and public consultations are expected to play a crucial role in determining the viability and impact of the proposed data center in Sherbrooke.