N.S. government quashes ‘unreasonable’ plan for West Mabou Beach golf course

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has quashed a proposal for a golf course in Cape Breton.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Cabot’s proposal to build a third golf course in parts of West Mabou Beach, in West Mabou, N.S., is off the table.

Houston said the proposal wasn’t in the best interest, nor would it be a benefit for most Nova Scotians.

“We have reached the conclusion that the asks that the proponent (Cabot) would have, would be unreasonable,” said Houston.

Houston said the proposal won’t go forward through the Department of Natural Resources, adding that the department came to this conclusion earlier this week.

Asked what the deal breaker was, Houston listed several reasons, including the amount of protected park that Cabot was looking to convert into a golf course.

This is the third time Cabot has attempted to develop in the same area, and each time, the proposal has faced strong opposition from the community.

Residents in West Mabou say they’re relieved but still frustrated that the issue continues to resurface. A rally against the development had been planned for this weekend, and while locals see the province’s decision as a victory, it’s a reminder that the park’s protected status remains vulnerable.

“I’m surprised by the news. I know there’s been a lot of pressure that was put on the government,” said West Mabou resident Doug Lowry. “But the residents of this area are absolutely outraged by the governments consideration of this proposal in the first place.”

Opposition leaders also criticized the Houston government for considering the proposal, saying it should have been dismissed from the start.

“We need more certainty that we aren’t going to force Nova Scotians across this province into these fights for their provincial parks,” said NDP leader Claudia Cheder. “And we didn’t get the assurance of that today.”

Former premier and Liberal MLA Iain Rankin said the community of Mabou and its residents have be put through enough already, suggesting this should put an end to golf course proposals in the protected beach area.

“It’s pretty sad that the people of Mabou had to go through this yet again. I think the government got it wrong twice and the community got it right twice,” said Rankin.

CTV News has reached out to Cabot for comment but has not received a response.

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