Golf course developer tees up another bid for West Mabou Crown land

Michael Gorman CBC News - October 3, 2025 Full article published here

Cabot Golf is eyeing West Mabou Beach Provincial Park for possible development

West Mabou Beach Provincial Park - CPAWS NS

The company behind the Cabot Links and Cliffs golf courses is taking a third swing at a potential development that would include part of West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, land that is protected by law and has previously been deemed out of bounds for such proposals.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton told reporters at Province House on Thursday that representatives for the Cape Breton outfit have come to the province "with some ideas."

"We'll have a conversation and see what takes place," he said.

"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."

Rushton and Premier Tim Houston struck a different tone two years ago. When Rushton learned in 2023 that the company was looking to apply for a Crown land lease in hopes of building a third 18-hole golf course, he told the company not to bother. At the time, it was determined that there was no option in the Provincial Parks Act to allow a golf course to be developed within a park.

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