West Mabou, N.S., residents say they feel blindsided by golf course proposal

The proposed golf course on a protected beach in western Cape Breton isn’t sitting well with people who live in the area.

Many people who live near the West Mabou Beach Provincial Park in Cape Breton say they feel blindsided by news the Nova Scotia government is again considering a proposal to build a golf course in the area.

“I don’t like coming to my government with concerns only to have them trivialized and ignored,” said cartoonist and author Kate Beaton.

On Thursday, Premier Tim Houston and Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland confirmed they have had recent conversations with the Cabot company – owners of the world-renowned Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S. – about potentially building an 18-hole course in an area that would include West Mabou Beach.

Beaton feels the Houston government hasn’t spoken enough with local residents.

“I especially don’t like the idea that he’s putting forth this image of open communication and honesty because there is no communication,” she said.

Speaking to reporters at the Nova Scotia Legislature on Thursday, Houston said he has been speaking with people in the Mabou area.

“I hear from lots of people who are actual residents of the area that send me messages saying, ‘This is a good thing,’” the premier said.

Houston said while no formal public consultation has been planned so far, he feels government should be open-minded and at least listen to opportunities that could lead to future economic development.

“If there’s maybe a better use for a land that might get even more people involved in enjoying Nova Scotia, we should listen to that and I think that’s what’s happening now,” Houston said.

The road leading to West Mabou Beach is lined with signs saying, “Save West Mabou Beach.”

When asked whether this might be another case of “Not in my backyard”, Beaton said a proposal for a golf course in another location might be viewed differently.

“If people want to say, ‘Not in my backyard’, how come they can’t answer the question, ‘Why can’t they buy privately?’ There’s lots of coastline here,” she said.

The developer has yet to comment publicly on the latest proposal.

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