Cushman and Wakefield, in their most recently published Data Center Risk Index have identified Canada as the #2 best country in the world to host a data center (1). Canada and the province of Quebec are both politically stable, there is a very low risk of natural disaster and it offers unparalleled bilingual support (English and French) that can act as a link between North America and Europe.
The province of Quebec, located in the eastern part of Canada, has all the required key attributes for data centers.
Land
Vast amounts of land is available and at a very low cost
Water
Water is just everywhere in Quebec which can effectively be tapped for cooling therefore reducing your operational expenses
Cold climate
Quebec is blessed with a relatively cold climate which makes it ideal to gain from freecooling almost year round, again reducing the operational expenses
Energy: low cost, clean and renewable
The majority of electrical power in the province of Quebec is generated from hydro electricity, a clean and renewable source of energy. So much so that the utility company that provides power to the entire province is called Hydro-Quebec.
Energy rates in Quebec are amongst the most competitive and stable in the world. Hydro electricity rates are not subject to the volatility of oil and gas prices.
Connectivity
International networks of fiber optic cables to the rest of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Only 8 ms from New York and 6 ms from Toronto.
Education
Ready supply of IT and engineering workers
(1) Cushman & Wakefield – Data Center Risk Index, London, June 2011.
