Cabot Golf seeks to develop West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, raising environmental concerns and revisiting a previously blocked Crown land proposal.
Developer Returns to West Mabou
Cabot Golf, the company behind Cabot Links and Cliffs golf courses, is taking a third attempt to develop part of West Mabou Beach Provincial Park in Nova Scotia. The land is legally protected, and previous proposals were denied due to park restrictions.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton told reporters Thursday at Province House that Cabot representatives have approached the province “with some ideas.” He added: “We’ll have a conversation and see what takes place.”
Government Opens Discussion on Economic Potential
Rushton emphasized that the government is open to discussions if a proposal promises economic benefit and good-paying jobs. “We’ve been very clear this mandate: if a proponent comes to the province with an idea that can bring an economic benefit, good-paying jobs and something to Nova Scotians, then we’ll have a conversation, and that’s where we’re at right now,” he said.
Two years ago, the government’s tone was stricter. In 2023, Rushton told Cabot not to pursue a Crown land lease for a new 18-hole course, citing the Provincial Parks Act. Premier Tim Houston’s office confirmed there were no plans to remove the park’s protected designation.
Environmental Concerns Remain
Local activist Nadine Hunt, a long-time advocate for the park’s protection, expressed strong opposition. She said Thursday she is “extremely disappointed and disheartened” at the renewed proposal. “It seems to me that Cabot, what they do is they sniff the political winds and when they detect that there’s a potential opening in a back door or a weakness, they pounce,” Hunt said.
A 2019 study found the park’s dunes and wetlands support at least 17 rare plants and animals, including four birds listed under the provincial Endangered Species Act. Hunt said the situation sends the message that the government cannot be trusted to maintain the park’s protected status.
Local Political Voices React
Kyle MacQuarrie, Progressive Conservative MLA for Inverness and Rushton’s ministerial assistant, said he has spoken with constituents on both sides of the issue. “I try to listen to them, but without specifics it’s hard to discuss it,” he said.
MacQuarrie has not met with Cabot officials but has spoken with former Premier Rodney MacDonald, whom the company hired years ago to lobby on its behalf. “We really didn’t discuss specifics about it, just kind of the idea that something might happen or just general ideas,” he said.
MacQuarrie said he is focused on listening to constituents and declined to say whether the land should remain protected.
Next Steps Uncertain
Cabot has not responded to requests for comment on its current proposal. Meanwhile, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between economic development opportunities and environmental protection in Nova Scotia, particularly in legally protected areas.
