Nova Scotia’s Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland says she is not interested in allowing a well-known golf developer to build a new course inside a provincial park in Cape Breton, though she remains open to hearing other proposals involving protected land.
Her comments drew criticism from the Opposition, who argue the government is sending mixed signals. NDP Leader Claudia Chender said the minister cannot claim land is protected while also being willing to discuss development inside provincial parks.
Cabot, a major golf-course developer based in Toronto, has tried three times to build a course at West Mabou Beach. Premier Tim Houston has already dismissed the idea as unreasonable and not in the public interest. Masland added that even if Cabot revises its plan, she is “not interested” in the project.
She said a responsible government must be open to hearing ideas, even those involving protected areas, adding that listening does not mean approving.
When asked whether land can be considered protected if the government entertains development pitches, Masland said it can. She stressed that the protected status does not change simply because a conversation takes place.
Provincial guidelines describe protected areas as spaces legally managed to ensure long-term conservation of nature.
Chender said the government’s position is contradictory — rejecting a golf plan in one protected area while leaving others open for consideration. She called for stronger laws to safeguard protected lands.
Liberal MLA Derek Mombourquette also argued that if development talks are allowed, the lands cannot be considered truly protected. He accused the government of being too willing to reverse protection decisions.
Nova Scotia has committed to protecting 20 per cent of its land and water by 2030. As of July 2024, 13.6 per cent was protected. Earlier this November, the province announced an additional 12.7 square kilometres of land across 16 parks and wilderness areas would receive protected status.
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