Data centers in Haywood County, North Carolina

On February 11, 2026, the town of Canton, North Carolina, witnessed an unprecedented turnout as residents gathered to voice their concerns over the potential establishment of data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities.

 

The meeting, held in a temporary town hall, saw citizens expressing apprehensions about the environmental and infrastructural impacts these facilities could impose on their community.

 

After nearly three hours of public discourse, the town board unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on the development of data centers, crypto mining operations, and server farms.

 

Mayor Zeb Smathers emphasized the potential threats these facilities pose, describing them as "dangerous, unpredictable, and disruptive."

 

The decision was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, many of whom had to listen from outside due to limited space.

 

Residents, already burdened by past floods and the closure of the local paper mill, stood united against the introduction of such high-intensity digital infrastructure.

 

One attendee remarked, "Canton's been through enough," highlighting the community's resilience and desire to protect its future.

 

The now-vacant paper mill site had attracted interest from companies seeking to establish data centers, given its ample land and water resources.

 

However, concerns over environmental hazards, strain on utilities, and the town's identity led to the moratorium.

 

Mayor Smathers, reflecting on his responsibilities, stated, "I have to answer to a 6-year-old," underscoring the importance of making decisions that safeguard future generations.

 

The moratorium serves as a pause, allowing the town to develop comprehensive land-use and zoning regulations to address these concerns.

 

Town Manager Lisa Stinnett explained that this period would enable staff and the board to craft ordinances that protect the community.

 

Over the next year, town officials will study the potential impacts of data centers, aiming to create regulations that balance technological advancement with community well-being.

 

While future ordinances may permit such facilities, the board's current stance indicates a preference for permanently preventing their establishment.

 

Canton joins other jurisdictions in Haywood County in taking a stand against data centers and crypto mining.

 

In 2023, Waynesville banned these facilities outright, and Haywood County commissioners implemented regulations requiring them to be at least 750 feet from adjacent property lines.

 

The overwhelming public opposition in Canton was evident, with residents lining up well before the meeting and many listening from the parking lot.

 

Every speaker during the public hearing supported the moratorium, emphasizing concerns over noise, pollution, and resource depletion.

 

One resident drew parallels to the town's industrial past, noting that while the paper mill's operations deterred newcomers due to its smell, a data center would introduce constant noise and pollution.

 

Another highlighted the potential health risks associated with air pollutants from data centers, stressing that the community cannot afford the human and monetary costs.

 

Neighboring towns also weighed in, with a Clyde alderwoman urging Canton to consider the broader impact on shared resources.

 

A former IT manager cautioned against the sustainability of the data center boom, drawing comparisons to the dot-com bubble of the '90s.

 

Throughout the meeting, the sentiment was clear: the community values thoughtful, sustainable development that aligns with its character and needs.

 

Alderman Ralph Hamlett emphasized the importance of community participation in shaping Canton's future, acknowledging that while the board was inclined to support the moratorium, the public hearing provided a vital platform for residents to voice their perspectives.

 

Mayor Smathers concluded by commending the community's active engagement, stating, "Once again, a collective from a mountain town is standing up for what is right."

 

This decision reflects Canton's commitment to preserving its heritage while thoughtfully considering its path forward in an evolving technological landscape.

 

For a visual overview of the meeting and community reactions, you can watch the following video: