Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says the West Mabou Beach golf course proposal will not move forward, citing limited benefits for Nova Scotians.
West Mabou Beach Golf Plan Halted After Government Review
Premier Confirms Decision
A proposed 18-hole golf course near West Mabou Beach Provincial Park will not advance, Premier Tim Houston announced Thursday, stating the project “won’t get to the next step” after government review. Houston said the province assessed whether the development would meaningfully benefit Nova Scotians—and concluded it did not.
Details of the Proposal
The project, submitted by Cabot, the golf company behind three Inverness-area courses, included plans for a full course and a small office and clubhouse. According to the company’s project website, the layout would have extended inside the provincial park boundaries near West Mabou Harbour, raising concerns about land use and long-term environmental impact.
Why the Province Declined the Plan
Houston said the government examined the proposal through the lens of public interest—considering how much parkland would be affected, how long the development would occupy the space, and whether the land could be fully remediated. After reviewing those factors, the Department of Natural Resources advised against supporting the project.
The premier said many ideas presented to the province are “intriguing,” but not all meet the threshold for public consultation or further study. “In the end,” he said, “the ask was unreasonable or not in the best interest of Nova Scotians.”
Previous Attempts and Public Sensitivities
This marks the third attempt by Cabot to pursue development within or adjacent to the park. The most recent proposal was rejected by the Progressive Conservative government in 2023, amid growing local concerns over preserving public access and environmental protections at West Mabou Beach.
Future Possibilities Remain Unclear
When asked whether Cabot could bring back a revised plan, Houston said he could not predict the company’s next steps. “I don’t know what they’re going to do,” he said. “I just know where we’re at today.”
For now, the provincial park and surrounding coastline remain protected from commercial development, aligning with what Houston described as the province’s priority: “decisions that benefit Nova Scotians.”
