Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a planned large-scale data center due to concerns about transparency from the local municipal council. Worries about the environmental impact and noise generated by the project have prompted residents to demand thorough environmental assessments and open discussions. They are questioning the decision to allow a U.S.-based company to construct a massive data center in their community.
Jayson Roy, a resident actively involved in the petition, has gathered over 4,500 signatures. He criticized the selective highlighting of project benefits by the city council, highlighting the dismissal of specific concerns and the lack of consideration for the bigger picture.
The municipal administration in Sherbrooke is moving forward with a deal involving Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. company formerly known as Bitfarms, despite skepticism from many residents. The conditional sale of land to the company has triggered memories of past cryptocurrency operations by the same entity, which faced backlash over noise levels and energy consumption.
Residents, including Roy, have raised worries about digital sovereignty and questioned the financial benefits of supporting a foreign-owned enterprise rather than a local or national company. They emphasize the importance of involving the community in decision-making processes and ensuring transparency throughout the project development.
In response to the criticisms, Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau clarified that the deal with Keel Infrastructure is not finalized but rather a preliminary step to negotiate the sale of a specific industrial zone lot. She highlighted the significant financial implications for the city, noting the revenue generated from electricity sales as a crucial factor in the decision-making process.
Despite assurances from the city officials about mitigating potential negative impacts, concerns persist among residents about the project’s overall implications. Keel Infrastructure has announced plans for a public information session to address residents’ questions and provide more details about the data center project. The company emphasized that the new facility aims to minimize water usage and electricity consumption, distinguishing it from its previous cryptocurrency mining operations.