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.

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Championship Sunday Ignites at Morgan Creek

It’s all come down to this. Championship Sunday at the Fortinet Cup in South Surrey has golfers and fans on the edge of their seats. After three rounds at Morgan Creek Golf Course, two American players are neck-and-neck, each sitting at an impressive 15-under par heading into the final showdown.

Kinney and Newcomb Surge Ahead

Saturday’s third round was electric. Tripp Kinney fired a flawless, bogey-free 7-under 63 to vault to the top of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Patrick Newcomb stayed hot with his second straight 6-under 64, creating a thrilling tie for the lead. Both are primed to chase the biggest prize of the week.

Canadian Contenders Make Their Move

Calgary’s own Hunter Thomson isn’t far behind. The 62-shot, bogey-free third round allowed him to climb from No. 96 to No. 48 in the Fortinet Cup standings, putting him within striking distance of a top-80 finish and securing his status for next season.

Record-Breaking Rounds Shake Up the Standings

Other players turned heads on Saturday as well. John DuBois etched his name in course history with a staggering 9-under 61, moving him from No. 93 to No. 78 in the points list. Michael Brennan, the current No. 1 in the Fortinet Cup, posted a solid 2-under 63 but trails the leaders by just two strokes.

Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

For Kinney, a 28-year-old starting the week at No. 20, victory on Sunday would catapult him to No. 4 in the points standings. Newcomb, 35, began at No. 31 and could jump to No. 7 with a win. Both will tee off in the final group at 1 p.m., promising a nail-biting finish.

The Final Showdown

The day began at 7:30 a.m. with the early wave of competitors, but all eyes will be on the last twosome. With the leaderboard tight and the course demanding precision, Morgan Creek is set to host a dramatic conclusion to the Fortinet Cup Championship.

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Surrey Hosts Canucks’ Annual Season Kickoff

The Vancouver Canucks will gather at Northview golf courses in Surrey on Monday, Sept. 8, for the 41st Jake Milford Charity Invitational. The event marks the team’s traditional pre-season launch and unites players, coaches, alumni, and executives on the greens before training camp.

A Legacy Tournament with Community Impact

Known as “The Jake,” the invitational commemorates former Canucks general manager Jake Milford, who led the team in the late 1970s and early 1980s before his passing in 1984. Beyond its roots in hockey history, the event generates vital support for two charities: the Canucks For Kids Fund and the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Foundation.

How the Fundraising Works

Entry fees are set at $2,500 for individual golfers and $8,500 for a three-player team hosted by a Canucks personality, from active players to alumni. An online raffle, featuring an 18K white gold diamond bracelet valued at $16,600, adds to the fundraising drive. Raffle sales close at 5 p.m. on tournament day.

Past Success Inspires 2025 Event

Last year’s tournament raised nearly $588,000, underscoring the event’s importance for children and families across British Columbia. Organizers say the Surrey tournament continues to symbolize both the Canucks’ community commitment and their bond with fans ahead of each new season.

What Follows the Tournament

Following the invitational, the Canucks will head to Penticton for training camp at the South Okanagan Events Centre from Sept. 18–21. Pre-season play begins Sept. 21 in Seattle, with their first Canadian exhibition match set for Sept. 24 in Abbotsford against the Calgary Flames.

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Rising Canadian Star Impresses at National Championship

Aphrodite Deng, a 15-year-old Canadian amateur golfer, made headlines on Thursday after finishing tied for second place in the opening round of the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Ontario. Deng carded a 5-under 66, placing her two strokes behind Japan’s Akie Iwai, who leads at 7 under.

Background of a Prodigy

Born in Calgary and now living in Florida, Deng has quickly become one of Canada’s most promising young athletes. Just last month, she made history by becoming the first Canadian to win the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in Atlanta. Her success has fueled excitement for her national championship debut on Canadian soil.

How the Round Unfolded

Deng joined a strong group at 5 under, alongside Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, Ireland’s Leona Maguire, American Megan Khang, and newly crowned World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand. Her steady putting and calm composure set her apart in front of a supportive Canadian crowd.

International Leader Sets the Pace

Iwai, fresh off her first-ever LPGA Tour victory at the Standard Portland Classic, carried her momentum into Mississauga. With four birdies on the back nine, she closed her round with back-to-back birdies, securing sole possession of the lead. “Last week I won, but it’s already in the past. That’s why I changed my mindset, to have good focus this week,” Iwai said.

Pressure and Experience Among the Field

For others, the national stage brought a mix of nerves and familiarity. Khang, who won the Canadian Women’s Open in 2023, admitted she feels pressure to repeat: “It’s always nerve-racking coming back to a tournament you have won.” Meanwhile, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont.—Canada’s top-ranked golfer—struggled early but battled back to finish even par, tied for 38th.

Why Deng’s Run Matters

Deng’s strong start not only highlights her personal talent but also represents a hopeful future for Canadian golf. As part of Golf Canada’s junior program, she embodies the nation’s long-term investment in nurturing young athletes to compete on the global stage.

What’s Next in Mississauga

The CPKC Women’s Open continues through the weekend, with players vying for Canada’s most prestigious women’s golf title. Deng will look to build on her opening round when she tees off on Friday, aiming to keep pace with Iwai and prove she belongs among the sport’s elite.

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Golf Fans Gear Up for a Monumental Week

Two of golf’s most anticipated tournaments will tee off this Thursday, making it one of the biggest weeks of the year for the sport. The Canadian Women’s Open in Mississauga and the PGA Tour Championship in Atlanta will bring together the world’s top players, massive prize money, and historic opportunities.

Spotlight on the Canadian Women’s Open

For the first time in its 52-year history, the Canadian Women’s Open—currently branded as the CPKC Women’s Open—will be played at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club. The field of 156 includes the world’s top four ranked golfers, 19 LPGA Tour winners from this season, and a new rising star, 21-year-old Lottie Woad of England, who has quickly become the betting favourite.

Canadians in the Field

A total of 16 Canadians are set to compete, led by Brooke Henderson, Canada’s all-time leader in professional golf victories with 13 titles. Henderson, however, has struggled in recent seasons, with her last win dating back to January 2023. Another notable entry is Aphrodite Deng, the 15-year-old prodigy who became the first Canadian to win the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

International Stars Chasing Glory

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand headlines the international contingent, joined by American Nelly Korda, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, and Australia’s Minjee Lee, who already has a major win this year. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin will also look to repeat after securing her breakthrough victory in Calgary last year.

The PGA Tour’s $40 Million Finale

South of the border, the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta will close the PGA Tour season. With $40 million USD in total prize money, including $10 million for the winner, the stakes have never been higher. This year, the controversial “starting strokes” format was dropped, giving all 30 players an even chance to claim the title.

Canadians Conners and Taylor in the Hunt

Representing Canada, Corey Conners and Nick Taylor will battle against golf’s elite after securing their spots in the top 30. Both players survived the BMW Championship cut and now have an equal footing to compete with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who remains the heavy favourite.

What’s at Stake for the Game’s Biggest Names

Scheffler is chasing his second straight FedEx Cup title, which would put him alongside legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as multi-time winners. Meanwhile, McIlroy enters ranked second, aiming to recapture his early-season form after winning the Masters in April.

A Defining Week for Golf

With two marquee tournaments unfolding simultaneously, Canadian fans have much to watch for—from Henderson’s chance at redemption on home soil to Conners and Taylor chasing life-changing paydays in Atlanta. Whether in Toronto or Atlanta, this week promises to deliver drama, history, and world-class golf.

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Rising Star from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation

Connor Hanska, a nine-year-old golf sensation from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation in Manitoba, is making international headlines. The young golfer will represent Canada at the 2025 Champion of Champions World Championship in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, from July 29 to 31.

Global Competition Draws Top Juniors

The prestigious tournament, hosted at the elite Lough Erne Resort Golf Course, features 250 top junior golfers from more than 40 countries. Competitors will test their skills on two world-class courses, including one designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo. The venue also holds a connection to golf legend Rory McIlroy.

Path to Northern Ireland Began in Canada

Connor earned his place in the tournament through the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT), a national platform for rising Canadian golf talent. After excelling in a series of MJT events throughout 2024, he secured his spot at the world championship — one of the highest honours in junior golf.

Family Support Fuels Connor’s Journey

The youngest of six siblings, Connor is coached by his older brother Bryce, and mentored by his father Doug Hanska, who documents his son’s journey on the TikTok account “Hanska Golf.” His mother, Destiny Jackson, plays a key role in his support system, travelling with Connor and recognizing the mindset that sets him apart.

“He practices every day. You have to have a whole different character to do something like that,” Jackson shared.

Golf Experts Praise the Young Talent

Golf Manitoba’s Director of Player Development, Sean Murray, praised Connor’s form and technique, describing his swing as “gorgeous” and full of potential. The praise doesn’t end there — friends and fellow players believe Connor may be destined for a future as bright as Tiger Woods.

Grounded Yet Grateful

As he prepared to board his flight to Northern Ireland, Connor expressed his gratitude with humility: “Thank you for watching and sharing,” he told supporters and sponsors.

With skill, family backing, and community pride, Connor Hanska is ready to swing big on the world stage — and Canada will be watching.

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