No provincial park in this province is safe from development

Letter to the Editor by Rose Courage

The Oran - Nov. 4, 2025

Dear Editor,

Tim Houston's PC government has become a government of betrayal for the citizens of Nova Scotia. The current situation at West Mabou Beach provincial Park is proof of that.

Rich American business interest from Cabot golf courses have been allowed to bring forward proposals for a third golf course in Cape Breton, to be built in our West Mabou Beach Provincial Park! This is the third time that Cabot is trying to do this and, although they were turned down twice before, this time the NS government appears to be actually listening and considering it.

West Mabou Beach Provincial Park is one of many provincial parks in Nova Scotia, which are legally protected under the NS provincial parks act. Our provincial park designation is used to protect certain special, unique lands for the use of Nova Scotia citizens, and people from outside of Nova Scotia. It is also a design designation used to protect rare birds and plants, and species at risk. In fact, "All provincial parks are dedicated in perpetuity for the benefit of present and future generations of Nova Scotians" as per the NS provincial parks act

According to a CBC story in November 2022 about West Mabou Beach Provincial Park and Cabots efforts to build a golf course there: https:/www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova scotia/golf-course-threatens-rare-plants-birds-at-west-mabou-beach-1.6639821.

"The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's 2019 study found 10 rare birds, four of which are listed in Nova Scotia's Endangered Species Act.... It also found seven rare plants and.lichens..."

The current situation happening with West Mabou Beach provincial Park, however, means that no provincial park in this province is safe from development, and no species at risk or endangered species is safe in this province. If this golf course is allowed on West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, it would set a precedent which could see provincial park, designations, and endangered and species at risk designations in Nova Scotia are thrown out the window because they would mean nothing – except to the citizens of this province who have unknowingly elected a PC government of lies and betrayal.

Much more information about what is happening with West Mabou Beach Provincial Park park can be found on the Facebook group: Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. Please take the time to check it out and to contact your MLA and premier to voice your concerns for your provincial Park.

Rose Courage

Sydney