Minister reopens conversation over golf at West Mabou - again

Information Morning, Cape Breton CBC Radio - October 3, 2025 Listen online here

"The Natural Resources Minister has confirmed that his department is in talks with Cabot Links about potential development on the protected park of West Mabou Beach... More than two years ago now, the developers floated opening up West Mabou Beach [Provincial Park] to a golf development, but at that time, the idea was nixed by the Houston Government, with Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton saying in early 2023, 'there is actually no pathway or mechanism in the Provincial Parks Act to allow a golf course to be developed within a park.' But that same Minister is now saying something different. CBC's Legislature and Political Affairs reporter, Michael Gorman, spoke with Tory Rushton at the Leg. yesterday...."

Michael Gorman: "Have you had any conversations about removing protection from West Mabou Beach?" Minister Rushton: "Not necessarily about removing protection, no." Michael Gorman: "What conversations have you had about West Mabou Beach?" Minister Rushton: "Look, there's an idea out there, of a proponent, who has come to the Province with some ideas, and look, we'll have a conversation and see what takes place." Michael Gorman: "Is that proponent Cabot Links?" Minister Rushton: As the process unfolds, and I get to see a full detailed description, but my understanding is it is Cabot." Other Reporter: "Have you had discussion with them yet?" Minister Rushton: "Not directly myself, no." Other Reporter: "But your Department has?" Minister Rushton: "I believe they have been in communication to start a process for a conversation." Michael Gorman: "In order for them to get access to West Mabou [Beach Provincial Park] for a golf development, the protected status would have had to be removed. So how can you make any type of an arrangement with Cabot for that land while it has protected status?" Minister Rushton: "We haven't made any arrangements. This is the start of a conversation to see what could happen. As I've said, if a proponent comes to the Province, we've been very clear in 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." Michael Gorman: "But this is a conversation that's been had multiple times, and multiple times, the Government has said no. So what has changed that that you see fit to continue having that same conversation?" Minister Rushton: "Let's have that conversation and see if there's something new on the table." Michael Gorman: "But the fact that you're even entertaining it, have they signalled to you that they're bringing something different?" Minister Rushton: "Not as of yet, but they've come, they have an idea, and let's have a conversation." Michael Gorman: "If it's the same idea as what was previously rejected, are you open to it now?" Minister Rushton: "I don't know that I'd be open up to the same idea. There really wasn't a proposal on the table last time, per se, it was just conversations. So as I said, this is a process that's unfolding, and we'll have the conversation, and I'm sure there'll be more to say in the very near future." Michael Gorman: "In order to do anything with that property, does its designation need to be changed?" Minister Rushton: "I would have to get the technicalities of what the legals say for you, Mike, but there would need to be some movement on that, I think." Other Reporter: "How's this different from Owls Head?" Minister Rushton: "My understanding is Owls Head was going to be a complete sale. And that's never been asked of me, that's never been part of a conversation, so let's see what the process unfolds."