Thousands of Sherbrooke, Quebec, locals have signed a petition opposing a large-scale data center project, criticizing the lack of transparency from the municipal council. Concerns center around the environmental and noise impacts, with residents advocating for environmental assessments and public discussions. The involvement of a U.S.-based company in building the facility has raised questions about the decision-making process.
Jayson Roy, a resident spearheading the petition with over 4,500 signatures, argues that the city is downplaying specific concerns and neglecting the broader implications of the project. He emphasized that the issues at hand go beyond individual problems, expressing discontent with the lack of consultation with residents.
The city is moving forward with a deal with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. firm formerly known as Bitfarms, despite residents drawing parallels to past cryptocurrency ventures by the same company that faced criticism for noise and energy consumption issues. Roy, a tech industry professional, highlighted concerns about digital sovereignty and questioned the preference for a foreign company over a Quebec or Canadian entity.
In response to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not finalized but rather a preliminary step for negotiating the sale of designated land. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau stressed the financial benefits for the city, citing the substantial revenue generated from electricity sales as a significant factor.
The company has been given a 180-day timeline to complete necessary studies, finalize plans, and meet city-imposed conditions. Bibeau assured that measures such as closed-circuit cooling systems and strategic location selection would address concerns about water waste and noise pollution. Public consultations with key stakeholders, including Hydro-Québec and Hydro-Sherbrooke, are yet to take place before project approval.
While Keel Infrastructure plans a public information session to address residents’ inquiries, not all council members are in favor of the project. Some have criticized the lack of transparency in the initial stages, calling for more information and public discourse. Keel Infrastructure has emphasized that the data center project will have minimal water consumption and electricity demands, aiming to allay concerns raised by previous company operations.
The company has disputed comparisons to past ventures, asserting its commitment to addressing any potential issues and highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation based on current information available.
