Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, citing concerns about the lack of transparency in the municipal council’s push for its development. Worries about the environmental impact and noise generated by the project have prompted residents to demand environmental assessments, public discussions, and reevaluation of the decision to allow a U.S.-backed company to construct a massive data hub in their vicinity.
Jayson Roy, a resident actively involved in the petition, has gathered over 4,500 signatures, criticizing the city for highlighting only the perceived benefits of the project while neglecting specific issues and failing to consider the broader implications. Roy emphasized that the issues at stake go beyond mere individual problems.
The municipality of Sherbrooke is moving forward with an agreement with Keel Infrastructure, a U.S.-based entity previously known as Bitfarms. This move has triggered concerns among many residents who recall past controversies surrounding cryptocurrency operations by the same company, which were criticized for their disruptive noise levels and extensive energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, highlighted worries about digital sovereignty, questioning the preference for a foreign company over a Quebec or Canadian firm in the project. Expressing discontent with the lack of public consultation, Roy criticized the secretive nature of the decision-making process and the confidentiality surrounding essential documents related to the project.
In response to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure has not been finalized. Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau emphasized that the recent conditional approval merely authorizes negotiations for the sale of specific land in an industrial zone and does not grant permission for construction. The economic benefits of the data center were underscored, with the city generating around $18 million annually from electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke, equivalent to a seven percent tax increase for local residents.
The company is now granted 180 days to conduct essential studies, refine its business plan, and comply with the city’s conditions. Mayor Bibeau reassured residents that measures such as closed-circuit cooling systems and the industrial location would address concerns about water wastage and noise pollution. She also stressed the importance of conducting thorough social, noise, and environmental impact assessments before any final decisions are made.
Despite the city’s stance, not all elected officials support the project, with three councillors from the Sherbrooke Citoyen party opposing the initial steps due to perceived lack of transparency. Keel Infrastructure, in response to the residents’ concerns, assured that the project’s water consumption would be minimal due to its closed-loop cooling system and clarified that the data center’s operations would not lead to increased electricity usage.
The company plans to organize a public information session in the upcoming months to address community queries and dispel any misconceptions. Keel Infrastructure emphasized that the proposed data center should be evaluated independently from its previous cryptocurrency mining ventures, asserting that past noise issues have been resolved through collaboration with the city.