Canton -- February 5, 2026: Canton to Hold Public Hearing on Data Center Moratorium Following Community Concerns
CANTON, N.C. – Residents of Canton are preparing for a pivotal public hearing as town officials consider a temporary moratorium on the development of new data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and server farms. The move comes in response to heightened community anxiety regarding the future of the former Pactiv Evergreen paper mill site.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Local leaders have scheduled two key opportunities for public involvement this month:
Community "Teach-In" (Informational Session): * When: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Where: Hive House Commons, 19 Park St.
Details: This community-led event is designed to help residents understand the potential impacts of data centers and prepare for the formal hearing.
Official Public Hearing: * When: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where: Canton Town Hall, 85 Summer St.
Details: The Board will hear public comment before deciding on a resolution for the temporary moratorium.
The Road to the Moratorium
The discussion gained momentum in late January after reports surfaced that developers were exploring data center and crypto-mining uses for the 185-acre mill site. For nearly a century, the mill served as the town’s economic heartbeat until its closure in 2023.
Concerned citizens and local real estate professionals have voiced fears regarding:
Resource Intensity: Potential strain on the local water supply and high energy consumption.
Environmental Impact: Risks to air quality and noise pollution.
Community Health: General public health and well-being in residential areas.
The proposed moratorium would halt new applications for these facilities, allowing town officials time to study the long-term impacts and update local zoning ordinances to protect the town’s interests.
Related County Updates
Due to the recent State of Emergency declared for Winter Storm Fern, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners has rescheduled its own related public hearing.
The county-level meeting regarding amendments to the County Code of Ordinances—originally set for February 2—will now take place on February 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse in Waynesville (215 N. Main St.).
WNCTimes