Thousands of Sherbrooke, Quebec residents have expressed their opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, citing concerns over transparency in the decision-making process by the municipal council. Worries about the environmental impact and noise levels of the project have led residents to demand thorough environmental assessments, public consultations, and to question the rationale behind allowing a U.S.-based company to construct a massive data center in their community.
The petition, spearheaded by resident Jayson Roy, has garnered over 4,500 signatures. Roy emphasized that the city appears to be selectively highlighting the benefits of the project while disregarding specific worries and overlooking the broader implications. He stressed that the issue extends beyond individual concerns and requires a comprehensive evaluation.
Sherbrooke authorities have been moving forward with a deal involving Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. firm formerly known as Bitfarms. This decision has sparked memories of past cryptocurrency ventures by the same company that faced criticism for noise disturbances and high energy consumption, leaving many residents feeling a sense of déjà vu.
In response to the backlash, Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau clarified that the deal is not yet finalized but instead represents an initial step allowing the city to negotiate the sale of a specific plot within an industrial zone. The economic significance of the project, with annual revenue of about $18 million generated from electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke, equivalent to a potential seven percent tax increase for local residents, has been highlighted by municipal leaders.
Addressing concerns raised by residents, Bibeau mentioned that the company has a 180-day window to conduct necessary studies, finalize business plans, and comply with city-imposed conditions. She assured that advanced cooling systems would minimize water wastage, with backup generators running only during peak winter periods to alleviate strain on the power grid. Bibeau emphasized that stringent social, noise, and environmental impact assessments will be carried out before any final approvals are granted.
Despite the pushback, Keel Infrastructure stated its intention to host a public information session to address resident inquiries and clarified that the data center’s operations would have minimal impact on water resources and electricity consumption. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and highlighted its plans to consolidate existing electrical capacity at the new site, negating the need for additional power generation.
While some elected officials have expressed reservations about the project’s transparency, Keel Infrastructure reiterated its commitment to engaging with the community and emphasized that the proposed data center should be evaluated independently based on forthcoming information.
