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 the project. Worries revolve around the potential environmental impact and noise disturbances, prompting calls for environmental assessments and public discussions. The involvement of a U.S.-based company in constructing a massive data center locally has raised questions about the decision-making process.
Jayson Roy, a resident leading the petition with over 4,500 signatures, highlighted the selective presentation of the project’s benefits by the city officials, disregarding specific worries and overlooking the broader perspective. He emphasized that the issues go beyond individual concerns and demand a comprehensive evaluation.
Sherbrooke authorities are moving forward with a deal with Keel Infrastructure, previously known as Bitfarms, despite the growing discontent among residents. Previous experiences with cryptocurrency operations by the same company had sparked criticism due to noise levels and energy consumption, making the conditional land sale reminiscent of past controversies.
Residents, including Roy, expressed unease about the lack of transparency in the project’s development process. Roy noted that attempts to access pertinent documents from the city were met with confidentiality, leaving residents feeling excluded from the decision-making procedures.
Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not yet finalized, emphasizing that the recent approval only authorizes negotiations for an industrial lot sale, not construction. The financial benefits for the city, such as significant revenue from electricity sales, are highlighted as critical factors in the decision-making process.
The company has a 180-day period to complete necessary studies, finalize business plans, and meet city-imposed conditions. Bibeau assured that measures like closed-circuit cooling systems and industrial location selection aim to minimize environmental impact and noise disruptions. Consultations with relevant authorities, including Hydro-Québec and Hydro-Sherbrooke, are planned before the project receives final approval.
Despite reassurances from the city and Keel Infrastructure, some elected officials and residents remain skeptical. Calls for greater transparency and public engagement persist, with concerns about digital sovereignty and environmental sustainability at the forefront of the debate. Keel Infrastructure has announced plans for a public information session to address resident inquiries and provide clarity on the project’s operational aspects.